Center for Resuscitation Science News

Oscar Mitchell, MD to lead two essential clinical emergency and critical care entities at HUP

Oscar Mitchell, MD, MSCE, Associate Director of the Penn Center for Resuscitation Science, has been named Director of Medical Rapid Response and Director of the Critical Care Outreach and Procedure Service at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP). In these roles, Dr. Mitchell will collaborate to lead initiatives focused on enhancing clinical emergency response, critical care outreach, and bedside procedures.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Mitchell on his new roles!

New Publication Alert!

Anaerobic Lactate Production Is Associated With Decreased Microcirculatory Blood Flow and Decreased Mitochondrial Respiration Following Cardiovascular Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass* (Greenwood et al., 2024)

Over the past 10 years, we have learned that lactate is a complex biomarker in patients with shock. Historically, high lactate levels were thought to indicate poor tissue perfusion, necessitating further resuscitation, such as increased intravenous fluids, blood product administration, or changes in vasoactive support. Previous research has suggested that once a patient’s hemodynamics are normalized after cardiovascular surgery, increased lactate levels may in fact be benign (a Type B phenomenon).

To further investigate the mechanisms of postoperative lactic acid, Drs. John Greenwood and David Jang recently published a paper in Critical Care Medicine that highlights the significant roles of both abnormal microcirculatory blood flow and mitochondrial dysfunction in patients with high anaerobic lactate production. The study included 120 subjects undergoing cardiovascular surgery. The research team recorded their systemic hemodynamics, microcirculatory blood flow, and mitochondrial respiration over time. The lactate-pyruvate ratio (LPR) was used to quantify the anaerobic portion of lactate accumulation. As expected, many patients developed increased lactate levels after surgery, even with normal hemodynamics. Their analysis found that high lactate levels were not simply a Type B phenomenon, and a large number of patients were producing lactate due to increased anaerobic respiration, as evidenced by a high LPR. In these patients, an inverse relationship was found between microcirculatory blood flow and Complex I & II mitochondrial activity.

These findings are important because they suggest that increased postoperative lactate may not in fact, be benign, and that changes in both tissue perfusion and metabolic function may be significant contributors. This also points to an opportunity for future research that investigates novel therapeutics that target microcirculatory blood flow and mitochondrial function directly.

For further inquiries, feel free to reach out to Dr. Greenwood via email!

Society of Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) Annual Conference 2024

Members of the Center for Resuscitation Science gave two oral abstracts presentations at the SAEM 2024 Annual Conference in Phoenix, AZ. Saleem Halablab, MD presented his abstract, "Computed Tomography assessment after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest resuscitation", while Jared McFerran, MD presented his abstract, "Long-Term Outcomes and Follow-up Care after Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest". Both abstracts utilized results generated by the growing Penn OHCA Registry.

Emergency Medicine Research Day 2024

Each year, the Department of Emergency Medicine holds "EM Research Day" as an opportunity for the entire department to learn about each other's scholarly activity and to share its work with the Penn Medicine community more broadly. This year, the Center for Resuscitation Science's very own Saleem Halablab, MD presented his abstract, "Computed tomography assessment after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest resuscitation" during the plenary oral abstract session. This abstract utilized results generated by the growing Penn OHCA Registry. We look forward to seeing the further presentation of this work at SAEM 2024!

NRMP Match Day 2024!

We are proud to report that this year, three of our stellar staff/students successfully matched into residency programs across the United States:

We wish them the best of luck as they embark on this exciting new chapter of training!

Collaborative Retreat to the "CRS North"

The Penn Center for Resuscitation Science, led by our Director Dr. Ben Abella, recently concluded a highly productive visit to New York City, hosted by Dr. Felipe Teran at the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine. The purpose of this trip was to facilitate the exchange of research findings, to discuss current works in progress, and to engage in meaningful discussions surrounding potential collaborative endeavors. The delegation from Penn joined cardiac arrest researchers from institutions across the city and presented ongoing projects in resuscitation science, fostering a platform for open dialogue and idea sharing. The meeting aimed to strengthen ties between the two cities and lay the groundwork for future research efforts with the "CRS North". The Penn Center for Resuscitation Science is enthusiastic about the potential breakthroughs and advancements that may result from this collaborative initiative. Stay tuned!

Brentford Football Club Visits Penn and the Center for Resuscitation Science

The Center for Resuscitation Science, together with our colleagues at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the American Heart Association welcomed Brentford FC to Philadelphia.

As part of their ongoing partnership with the Heart of West London initiative, Brentford FC ambassadors, including chief executive Jon Varney and Marcus Gayle and Gary Blissett learnt about the importance of immediate response and CPR, even receiving training using the American Heart Association's cutting-edge CPR trainer kiosk in the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine (PCAM).

Joshua Levine, MD Receives the Louis Duhring Outstanding Clinical Specialist Award

Josh-Levine Each year, Penn Medicine recognizes distinguished faculty from the Perelman School of Medicine through their Awards of Excellence for exemplifying the highest values in medicine. This year, Joshua Levine, MD, a Professor of Neurology and member of our CRS faculty, was the recipient of the Louis Duhring Outstanding Clinical Specialist Award. This award recognizes a clinical specialist physician who blends biomedical science, recent clinical research advancements, and insight to provide their patients and colleagues with cutting-edge services. Dr. Levine's work as the founder of the Neurocritical Care Program at Penn, as well as his dedication to collaborative leadership in critical care, neurology, and neurocritical care, have helped pioneer and establish innovative ways of improving patient outcomes at Penn and throughout the world. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Levine!

Mobile CPR Van Gets a Lifesaving Makeover with Philadelphia Eagles and Independence Blue Cross

Mobile CPR Van On August 22, 2023, the Center for Resuscitation Science proudly unveiled the revitalized Mobile CPR Project Van, an essential resource for delivering life-saving training to communities in need. This momentous occasion was made possible through the generous support of the Philadelphia Eagles and Independence Blue Cross (IBC). The project's grand re-launch event, attended by key stakeholders and an iconic Philadelphia Eagles mascot, Swoop, marks a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing community health and safety.

The re-launch event was attended by key stakeholders, including Swoop, the iconic Philadelphia Eagles mascot. The Mobile CPR Project now boasts improved training resources and an updated design, making it even more effective in delivering essential training to communities.

The partnership with the Philadelphia Eagles and IBC underscores their shared commitment to community health initiatives. This collaboration reinforces the van as a symbol of their dedication to improving public health and safety in the Philadelphia region.

Oscar Mitchell, MD Honored with "40 Under 40" Award by Citizen CPR Foundation

Oscar Mitchell, MD, MSCE, the Associate Director of the Center for Resuscitation Science has been recognized with the prestigious "40 Under 40" award from the Citizen CPR Foundation. This award acknowledges his exceptional contributions to advancing cardiac care and resuscitation practices. The "40 Under 40" award celebrates young professionals making remarkable strides in healthcare and emergency response. Oscar Mitchell's innovative leadership and dedication to improving cardiac care have set a high standard in the field.

David Fischer, MD Receives Funding for RECOVER Program at the University of Pennsylvania CCEB

Dr. David Fischer, a pioneering neurocritical care doctor and researcher, has secured funding from the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (CCEB) for his groundbreaking RECOVER Program. This initiative brings together experts in neuroprognostication and cutting-edge technology to provide compassionate and efficient neuroprognostication at the bedside.

The RECOVER Program combines guideline-recommended treatment with innovative technology, ensuring that neuroprognostication is delivered with expertise and empathy.

Dr. Fischer's work promises to make a significant impact on the field of neurocritical care and improve patient outcomes.