End-tidal carbon dioxide during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in humans presenting mostly with asystole

Abstract

End-tidal CO2 represents a valuable tool for monitoring patients presenting with asystole during prehospital CPR. Fluctuations in end-tidal CO2 during CPR and the utility of end-tidal CO2 in detecting return of spontaneous circulation justify its continuous measurement. In addition, a high sensitivity (>90%) in predicting return of spontaneous circulation is prospectively demonstrated using the maximal end-tidal CO2 during the first 20 mins after tracheal intubation, with a cutoff value of 10 torr. Such a prognostic indicator could be used for a more rational approach to prolonged CPR.