Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients diagnosed with or suspected of COVID-19: A narrative review of the literature

Abstract

Objective: to map the production of knowledge and make considerations about the main updates and recommendations for the management of patients in cardiac arrest, diagnosed or suspected of having COVID-19. Method: narrative literature review. The source of information consisted of relevant publications in the literature carried out in June 2021, based on the narrative synthesis of evidence on the updates contained in the main guidelines and official recommendations published by bodies linked to the Brazilian and international health area: World Organization of Health, International Alliance of Resuscitation Committees, American Heart Association Guidelines (AHA 2020), European Council on Resuscitation, American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, Brazilian Association of Emergency Medicine, the Brazilian Society of Cardiology, Brazilian Association of Intensive Medicine, Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology and official associations and societies representing specialties affiliated with the Brazilian Medical Association, which recommend following practices specifically designed to care for patients diagnosed or suspected of having COVID-19. Results: there is a consensus that it is essential to completely dress the team with Personal Protective Equipment for respiratory isolation of aerosols during the service of cardiopulmonary arrest in this context, even if this delays the cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers. Conclusion: health professionals from the multidisciplinary team involved in CPA care in the context of caring for patients suspected of or with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 are exposed to numerous risks, and a range of challenges, and must follow the established protocol with scientific rigor. in health services, to maximize the effectiveness of CPR maneuvers, without losing sight of the objective of these actions, which is to increase survival, without giving up on preserving the health and integrity of the team and minimizing the risk of contagion by the virus and its spread.