Background

In Europe and the USA approximately 1.000.000 individuals experience out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), of these roughly 250.000 / year arrive at a hospital alive. Neurological consultation and multimodal prognostic assessment represents an integral part of post-resuscitation patient management and is of major clinical relevance for guidance of further treatment strategies. Currently, for early neurological prognostication in comatose OHCA patients, a multimodal strategy is recommended. However, despite this multifaceted diagnostic approach, early, reliable prognosis within the first days following resuscitation represents a challenge for clinicians.

Technology Overview

Four highly reliable, objective plasma protein markers that improve prediction of neurological outcome in OHCA survivors were identified. These, combined with the currently recommended multimodal strategy including clinical examination, neurophysiological tests, cerebral imaging, and established biomarkers, significantly improve the prediction of neurological outcome, allowing an earlier and better prognosis. As a consequence, often fateful decisions about the continuation, limitation, or termination of life sustaining treatment can be based on more profound information. Therewith, timely decisions about treatment options in intensive care with far-reaching consequences on the future quality of life of the patient are facilitated.

Stage of Development

Identification

Benefits

Early and robust assessment of neurological situation
Clinical decisions in intensive care facilitated
Proven clinical relevance
Increasing patient numbers
Potential application in other disease with neurologic damage/injury

Applications

Assessment of neurological damage,
In-vitro diagnostic

Novel Biomarkers for the Prediction of Neurological Outcome after Resuscitation

Patents

IP Status

Seeking