Evaluating Low Versus Standard Dose Epinephrine in Adult Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients with Ventricular Fibrillation or Tachycardia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of different doses of epinephrine in adults who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest OHCA due to ventricular fibrillation VF or pulseless ventricular tachycardia VT. This randomized controlled trial compares a low cumulative dose of epinephrine to the standard dose during resuscitation efforts, aiming to understand which dosing strategy better supports survival to hospital discharge. Eligible patients are randomly assigned to receive either a low dose up to 2 mg total or a standard dose up to 6 mg total of epinephrine. Paramedics start cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR and defibrillation according to usual protocols, then administer epinephrine doses every 3 to 5 minutes until return of spontaneous circulation ROSC or resuscitation is stopped. Additional treatments like antiarrhythmics, magnesium, beta blockers, or intubation may be given as needed. This trial is conducted at multiple centers and follows patients using hospital records and telephone interviews. Participants are closely monitored throughout resuscitation and hospital care. Outcome measures include survival to hospital discharge, return of spontaneous circulation, survival to emergency department arrival, and long-term health status evaluated up to five years. Researchers also track hospital and critical care stays, recurrent cardiac arrests, and rehospitalizations. The study provides important data on how epinephrine dosing affects outcomes in emergency cardiac arrest situations.

Epinephrine Dose: Optimal Versus Standard Evaluation Trial