SPONTANEOUS GASPING INCREASES THE ABILITY TO RESUSCITATE DURING EXPERIMENTAL CARDIOPULMONARY-RESUSCITATION

Objective: To evaluate the effect of spontaneous gasping on cardioresp iratory functions and the ability to resuscitate during experimental c ardiac arrest. Data Sources: Studies in rat and pig models during card iac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Study Selection: W e retrospectively examined the role of spontaneous gasping during the course of experimental studies on cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Data Extraction: The data were extracted to illustrate the mechanisms of sp ontaneous gasping and its effects on pulmonary gas exchange and blood circulation during CPR. Data Synthesis: Spontaneous gasping increased Pao(2) and decreased Paco(2) values during precordial compression in t he absence of mechanical ventilation. The frequency of gasping during precordial compression was greater in successfully resuscitated animal s. A significant linear correlation was established between coronary a rtery perfusion pressure and both the frequency (r(2) = .90, p < .01) and the duration (r(2) = 0.69, P < .01) Of gasping during untreated ve ntricular fibrillation and before resuscitation was attempted. Like co ronary perfusion pressure, the frequency and duration of gasping predi cted the success of cardiac resuscitation attempts. Conclusions: Spont aneous gasping is associated with both pulmonary and hemodynamic effec ts during cardiac arrest in experimental animals. Spontaneous gasping is biologically useful and is predictive of a more favorable outcome o f resuscitative efforts.