title: The effects of nitroglycerin during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
abstract: The outcome for both in-hospital and out-of hospital cardiac arrest remains dismal. Vasopressors are used to increase coronary perfusion pressure and thus facilitate return of spontaneous circulation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. However, they are associated with a number of potential adverse effects and may decrease endocardial and cerebral organ blood flow. Nitroglycerin has a favourable haemodynamic profile which promotes forward blood flow. Several studies suggest that combined use of nitroglycerin with vasopressors during resuscitation, is associated with increased rates of resuscitation and improved post-resuscitation outcome. This article reviews the effects of nitroglycerin during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and postresuscitation period, as well as the beneficial outcomes of a combination regimen consisting of a vasopressor and a vasodilator, such as nitroglycerin.
authors.affiliation: MSc Program Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, University of Athens, Medical School, Greece, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Antonia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stefaniotou
authors.affiliation: MSc Program Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, University of Athens, Medical School, Greece, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Giolanda
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Varvarousi
authors.affiliation: MSc Program Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, University of Athens, Medical School, Greece, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Dimitrios P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Varvarousis
authors.affiliation: MSc Program Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, University of Athens, Medical School, Greece, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece. Electronic address: theodorosxanthos@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Theodoros
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Xanthos
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D005996:Nitroglycerin
keywords: Blood flow; Cardiac arrest; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Nitroglycerin; Vasopressor