Impact of Transitory ROSC Events on Neurological Outcome in Patients with Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

In out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), the occurrence of temporary periods of return to spontaneous circulation (t-ROSC) has been found to be predictive of survival to hospital discharge. The relationship between the duration of t-ROSCs and OHCA outcome has not been explored yet. The aim of this prospective observational study was to analyze the duration of t-ROSCs during OHCA and its impact on outcome. Defibrillator-recorded OHCA events were analyzed via dedicated software. The number of t-ROSC episodes and their overall durations were recorded. The study endpoint was the good neurologic outcome at hospital discharge. Among 285 patients included in the study, 45 (15.8%) had one or more t-ROSCs. The likelihood of t-ROSC occurrence was higher in patients with a shockable rhythm (p = 0.009). The cumulative length of t-ROSC episodes was significantly higher for patients who achieved sustained ROSC (p < 0.001). The adjusted cumulative t-ROSC length was an independent predictor for good neurological outcome at hospital discharge (OR 1.588, 95% CI 1.017 to 2.481; p = 0.042). According to our findings and data from previous studies, t-ROSC episodes during OHCA should be considered as a favorable prognostic factor, encouraging continuing resuscitative efforts.