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POHCA Resuscitation: Evaluation of IM Epinephrine

Phase 2
Recruiting
Conditions
Pediatric Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT05166343
Lead Sponsor
London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute and Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's
Brief Summary

This is a pragmatic, two-arm, open-label, prospective stepped-wedge cluster quasi randomized control trial (SW-CRCT) looking to evaluate early intramuscular (IM) epinephrine in the management of pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (POHCA).

Detailed Description

IM epinephrine may provide a more efficient means of administering the initial epinephrine dose (versus IV/IO administration) to a child experiencing pediatric out of hospital cardiac arrest (POHCA) with no greater risk of harm. In so doing, this may improve the short- and long-term outcomes of these patients. There is an abundance of literature detailing the risk/benefit profile of IM epinephrine use in anaphylaxis; however, there is no human data on this topic as it relates to cardiac arrest. Important knowledge gaps include whether the use of IM epinephrine via autoinjector and/or pre-filled syringe leads to faster administration of the initial doses of epinephrine without delaying time to definitive epinephrine (via IV/IO) and the impact on time to initial and sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). This trial will be the first to examine the role of IM epinephrine via autoinjector/pre-filled syringe in POHCA.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
284
Inclusion Criteria
  • Children aged 1 day to and including 17 years experiencing an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA)
  • Must be receiving at least 1 minute of CPR by trained first responders (police, fire, or paramedic services)
Exclusion Criteria
  • Children who experience OHCA due to an obvious traumatic event.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Intramuscular Epinephrine DoseEpinephrine InjectionPOHCA events will be handled per standard of care, however, first dose epinephrine administration will be via intramuscular (IM) autoinjector and/or pre-filled syringes. Dosing will be dependent on weight as follows: * 3-\<5kg=0.3mg IM epinephrine * 5-\<10kg=0.5mg IM epinephrine * 10-\<20kg=1.0mg IM epinephrine * 20-\<30kg=2.0mg IM epinephrine * 30kg=3.0mg IM epinephrine
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Time to initial return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)At time of event

The primary outcome will be the time to initial ROSC. The investigator will compare time to initial ROSC between the standard of care and intervention periods.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Time to sustained ROSCAt time of event

Time to sustained ROSC will be calculated from the time that paramedics arrive on scene to the time that sustained ROSC, defined as chest compressions not required for 20 minutes with persistent signs of circulation, is achieved.

SurvivalFrom time of event to ED admission

Survival to emergency department transfer to pediatric critical care unit (PCCU), if applicable: admitted to PCCU from external ED

Post POHCA survivalDependent on survival at 6 and 12 month period post POHCA event

Survival at 6 months and 12 months post-POHCA will be compared between standard of care and intervention periods

Neurological statusFrom time of discharge and 6 and 12 months post POHCA event

The investigator will compare PCPC scores at discharge, 6- and 12-months post-POHCA between the standard of care and intervention periods

Return of spontaneous circulationAt time of event

Whether return of spontaneous circulation is achieved or not

Survival - comparison between both armsFrom time of event to hospital admission

Survival to hospital admission will be compared between standard of care and intervention periods

PCCU/Hospital length of stayFrom time of hospital/PCCU admission to discharge, up to 1 year

PCCU and hospital length of stay will be calculated from time of admission to the PCCU/hospital and time to discharge from PCCU/hospital, if applicable, between standard of care and intervention periods

Survival to hospital dischargeDependent on course of hospital stay, up to 1 year

Survival to hospital discharge will be compared between standard of care and intervention periods

Life Impact and Pediatric Quality of Life assessments6 and 12 months post POHCA event

Life Impact assessment between 6 and 12 months: the investigator will use the Daily Activities Scale at 6- and 12-months post-POHCA in all survivors and compare between standard of care and intervention periods. This scale is a subscore of the PEDSQoL tool with scores ranging from 0-100, with higher scores indicating better outcome.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Children's Hospital - London Health Sciences Centre

🇨🇦

London, Ontario, Canada

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