Why physicians use sodium bicarbonate during cardiac arrest: A cross-sectional survey study of adult and pediatric clinicians

Background

Despite recommendations against routine use, sodium bicarbonate (SB) is administered in approximately 50% of adult and pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA).

Methods

Cross-sectional electronic survey of adult and pediatric attending physicians at two academic hospitals in Boston, Massachusetts. The survey included two IHCA vignettes. Additional open- and closed-ended items explored clinician beliefs surrounding intra-arrest SB and perspectives on a hypothetical clinical trial comparing SB with placebo.

Results

Of the 356 physicians invited, 224 (63 %) responded. Of these, 54 (24 %) said they would “probably” or “definitely give” SB in Scenario 1 (10-minute asystolic arrest) compared to 110 (49 %) for Scenario 2 (20-minute asystolic arrest; p < 0.001). The most frequently reported indications for SB were: hyperkalemia (78 %); metabolic acidosis (76 %); tricyclic anti-depressant overdose (71 %); and prolonged arrest duration (64 %). Of the 207 (92 %) respondents who reported using intra-arrest SB in at least some circumstances, the most common reasons for use were: “last ditch effort” in a prolonged arrest (75 %) and belief that there were physiologic benefits (63 %). When asked of the importance of a clinical trial to guide intra-arrest SB use, 188 (84 %) respondents felt it was at least of average importance, and 140 (63 %) said they would be “somewhat” or “very comfortable” enrolling patients in a trial comparing SB and placebo in IHCA.

Conclusions

Physicians reported practice variations surrounding cardiac arrest management with SB. Respondents commonly cited metabolic acidosis and prolonged arrest duration as indications for intra-arrest SB, despite not being supported by the American Heart Association’s advanced life support guidelines.