

“It is possible that drugs injected through a peripheral vein are inadequately delivered centrally due to impaired venous return, and when venous return improves after stopping the dynamic hyperinflation, delivery of drugs could contribute to return of circulation,” explain Adhiyaman and colleagues. Once CPR is ceased, this pressure may gradually release and kick-start the heart back into action.Īnother theory is the delayed action of medication used as a part of resuscitation efforts, such as adrenaline. Some researchers suggest that the Lazarus phenomenon may be down to a pressure buildup in the chest caused by CPR. Precisely what causes the Lazarus phenomenon remains unclear, but there are some theories. “Another pertinent question that arises is whether the death of a particular patient occurred as a result of premature cessation of resuscitative efforts or the omission of continued resuscitation,” he adds.
#Lazarus effect professional#
“The professional expertise of the resuscitating doctor can be brought into question, not to mention the fact that such an event can lead to disrepute among colleagues.” “The reason for these can be attributed to the fact that medicolegal issues are brought to light in cases which are pronounced dead which later turn out to have been alive,” he explains.

“The Lazarus phenomenon is a grossly underreported event,” notes Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr. Since 1982, when the Lazarus phenomenon was first described in medical literature, there have been at least 38 reported cases.Īccording to a 2007 report by Vedamurthy Adhiyaman and colleagues, in around 82 percent of Lazarus syndrome cases to date, ROSC occurred within 10 minutes of CPR being stopped, and around 45 percent of patients experienced good neurological recovery.īut while the low number of report cases might highlight the rarity of Lazarus syndrome, scientists believe that it is much more common than studies suggest. Share on Pinterest Lazarus syndrome is the return of spontaneous circulation after CPR has been stopped.
