The Lazarus phenomenon.
Even though Lazarus phenomenon is rare, it is probably under reported. There is no doubt that Lazarus phenomenon is a reality but so far the scientific explanations have been inadequate. So far the only plausible explanation at least in some cases is auto-PEEP and impaired venous return. In patients with PEA or asystole, dynamic hyperinflation should considered as a cause and a short period of apnoea (30-60 seconds) should be tried before stopping resuscitation. Since ROSC occurred within 10 minutes in most cases, patients should be passively monitored for at least 10 minutes after the cessation of CPR before confirming death.
Department of Geriatric Medicine, Glan Clwyd District Hospital, Rhyl, Denbighshire LL18 5UJ, UK. vedamurthy.adhiyaman@cd-trust.wales.nhs.uk
Vedamurthy
V
Adhiyaman
Sonja
S
Adhiyaman
Radha
R
Sundaram
D001775:Blood Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors