Effect of epinephrine on defibrillation in ischemic ventricular fibrillation.

Epinephrine is thought to improve the success of defibrillation with countershock therapy. However, a recent study failed to show any effect of epinephrine in dogs with normal coronary arteries undergoing electrically-induced ventricular fibrillation (VF). In the current study, the effects of epinephrine were examined in dogs with coronary occlusion undergoing both spontaneous and electrically-induced fibrillation.

The role of epinephrine in CPR: a reappraisal.

Epinephrine is the recommended drug for use in resuscitation from all types of cardiac arrest. Experimental evidence has shown that the actions of epinephrine important for the restoration of spontaneous circulation are mediated by the alpha-adrenergic properties. The beta-adrenergic effects do not aid restoration of spontaneous circulation, nor do they aid defibrillation; however, beta-adrenergic stimulation does increase the oxygen consumption of the fibrillating myocardium, a potentially deleterious effect.

Spontaneous ischemic ventricular fibrillation in dogs: a new model for the study of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Most sudden cardiac deaths in man are associated with events causing myocardial ischemia and only 40-60% of these patients are successfully resuscitated. Further progress in reducing the mortality from such events will depend on a better understanding of the interventions used during CPR. Animal models currently used for the study of CPR do not involve myocardial ischemia.

Comparison of dopamine, dobutamine, and epinephrine in CPR.

Two new catecholamines, dopamine and dobutamine, have found widespread use for cardiovascular support. The relative efficacy of these drugs in aiding resuscitation from cardiopulmonary arrest is unknown. Dogs were subjected to either asphyxial or fibrillatory cardiac arrest.