Good neurological outcome despite very low regional cerebral oxygen saturation during resuscitation--a prospective preclinical trial in 29 patients.

Background: Noninvasive regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) measurement using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) might inform on extent and duration of cerebral hypoxia during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This information may be used to guide resuscitation efforts and may carry relevant early prognostic information.

Methods: We prospectively investigated non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients on scene.