Undersaker

This research aims to provide detailed information on the long-term outcomes related to neuroprotection and recovery improvements for survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. It evaluates different targets for sedation, temperature, and blood pressure management in these patients, as well as the impact on caregivers who support them. The study is part of a larger international, multi-center randomized trial called STEPCARE. Participants who survived out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and were part of the STEPCARE trial will be followed at selected sites. They will have experienced various interventions such as deep or minimal sedation, different blood pressure targets using vasopressors, and fever management either with or without a feedback-controlled temperature device. These treatments are applied during the first 36 hours after cardiac arrest. The study involves follow-up assessments at 6 and 12 months after the cardiac arrest event. Survivors will be evaluated for cognitive function using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, while caregivers will be assessed for burden using the Zarit Burden Interview. The study plans to enroll about 600 survivors along with one nominated caregiver per survivor to understand both patient outcomes and caregiver impact over time.