Undersaker

Researchers are investigating long-term outcomes in survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, focusing on how different targets for sedation, temperature, and blood pressure management affect brain protection and recovery. This study is part of a larger international, multi-center randomized trial called STEPCARE. The study also explores the impact of caregiving on those caring for cardiac arrest survivors. Participants in the STEPCARE trial are randomly assigned to various combinations of sedation levels deep or minimal, temperature management using a feedback-controlled device or fever control without a device, and blood pressure targets high MAP above 85 mmHg or low MAP above 65 mmHg. These interventions are applied during the initial treatment period. The extended follow-up substudy enrolls survivors from selected sites who consent, following them and their nominated caregivers at 6 and 12 months after cardiac arrest. During the follow-up, researchers assess cognitive function of survivors using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment MoCA and measure caregiver burden with the Zarit Burden Interview ZBI at 6 months. The study includes questionnaires and evaluations to understand recovery and caregiving challenges. Participants are monitored over a total of 12 months, with data collected at both 6 and 12 months to evaluate long-term effects of the initial treatments and caregiving experiences.