Dodecafluoropentane improves neuro-behavioral outcomes and return of spontaneous circulation rate in a swine model of cardiac arrest.

Introduction: Dodecafluoropentane emulsion (DDFPe) administration has previously demonstrated improved gas exchange in single-organ perfusion models. This could translate to prevention of brain injury in cardiac arrest.

Methods: We induced cardiac arrest in 12 pigs, performing CPR after 5-minute downtime. Pigs were randomly assigned to DDFPe (n = 7) or saline placebo (n = 5) groups. Neurologic injury biomarkers were measured at baseline, after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and every 24 hours in survivors. Blinded Neurological Alertness Score, Neurological Dysfunction Score, and Overall Performance Score was performed in addition to histopathological scoring of parietal and hippocampal sections.

Results: One placebo and four DDFPe pigs survived the 96-hour observation period. The odds ratio for ROSC was 7.2 (p = 0.22). Survival odds ratio was 4.6 (p = 0.29). All surviving animals had impaired motor responses that recovered by 72 hours. DDFPe animals showed better neuro-behavioral scores than placebo.

Conclusion: The findings of this novel study provide a proof of concept and early signal toward efficacy of intravenous DDFPe in cardiac arrest. The trend toward improved ROSC and functional survival may reflect improved microcirculatory gas exchange in DDFPe animals. Improving gas exchange in brain microcirculation during resuscitation from cardiac arrest may provide a significant therapeutic benefit.