The Effect of Prearrest Acid-Base Status on Response to Sodium Bicarbonate and Achievement of Return of Spontaneous Circulation.

Background: The efficacy of sodium bicarbonate (SB) administration during in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) for treatment of acidosis is not well described. The available literature has only evaluated out-of-hospital arrest events in patients with suspected acidosis caused by prolonged arrest.

Objective: This study evaluated SB and its effects on return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in patients experiencing IHCA, based on presence of acidosis at baseline as determined by prearrest bicarbonate levels.