(2) change in end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration
Sanders et al reported that patients who were successfully resuscitated had an average end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure >= 10 mm Hg. However, not all patients with an end-tidal PCO2 >= 10 mm Hg were successfully resuscitated.
Kolar et al reported that an end-tidal PCO2 >= 14.3 mm Hg after 20 minutes of resuscitation predicted return to spontaneous circulation.
A patient who have return to spontaneous circulation after resuscitation show a rise in end-tidal PCO2 as circulation is restored. A patient who does not develop spontaneous circulation does not show a rise and may have declining values.
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