German Cardiac Arrest Registry
This study is collecting important information about people in Germany who experience a sudden heart stoppage, known as an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Every year, tens of thousands of people in Germany suffer from this, often due to heart problems. While medical treatments have improved, many people still don't recover well. This study aims to gather detailed information about how patients are treated, from when it happens to their recovery, to learn more about the condition. By understanding what works best, researchers hope to improve care and outcomes for patients in the future who experience a heart stoppage outside of hospital.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine your heart suddenly stops beating outside of a hospital – this is called an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. It's a very serious medical emergency, and unfortunately, it happens to many people in Germany each year. Even though doctors have learned a lot and treatments have gotten better over time, many people who experience this don't survive or don't recover well.
Doctors and researchers want to understand why this is, and how they can make things better. Right now, there isn't enough clear evidence from special studies called 'randomized trials' to know the very best ways to treat people who have a cardiac arrest. So, this study, called the German Cardiac Arrest Registry, is a way for hospitals across Germany to systematically collect information.
The main goal is to get a clearer picture of what happens to patients who have a cardiac arrest due to a heart problem. They are gathering details about the patient's background, their medical journey from the moment the heart stops, the tests they have, and the treatments they receive. By putting all this information together, doctors hope to gain a much better understanding of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and find ways to improve the care that patients receive.
Key takeaways
- This study collects vital information about heart stoppages outside hospital.
- It aims to improve future care for patients who experience this.
- Participation involves sharing existing medical records.
- There are no additional tests or treatments due to the study.
- You must be an adult and have had a heart stoppage likely due to a heart problem.
- Your privacy is protected, and you can withdraw at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults who have experienced a sudden heart stoppage outside of a hospital, where it’s thought that a heart problem was the cause.
To be included, the patient or their legal representative must agree to their information being recorded in the registry.
Anyone who doesn't want their information to be part of the registry, or whose legal representative doesn't agree, will not be included.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you experienced a heart stoppage (cardiac arrest) outside of a hospital?
- Was your cardiac arrest thought to be caused by a heart problem?
- Do you or your legal representative agree to have your medical information recorded for this study?
What does participation involve?
If you or someone you care for meets the criteria, participation in this study involves simply allowing your medical information to be collected. This means that details about your general health, the course of your condition, the tests you had, and the treatments you received will be carefully recorded. There are no extra visits, assessments, or medications involved; it’s about gathering information from the care you’ve already received. The study records information from the time of the cardiac arrest through your recovery.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (25)
- CHARITE - Universitätsmedizin Berlin - Campus Virchow KlinikumVerified postcodeBerlin, Germany· Active not recruiting
- SLK-Kliniken Heilbronn - Klinikum am PlattenwaldCity onlyBad Friedrichshall, Germany· Recruiting
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin - Deutsches Herzzentrum BerlinVerified postcodeBerlin, Germany· Recruiting
- Universitätsklinikum BonnVerified postcodeBonn, Germany· Recruiting
- Bremer Institut für Herz- und Kreislaufforschung am Klinikum Links der WeserVerified postcodeBremen, Germany· Recruiting
- Herzzentrum der Universität zu KölnVerified postcodeCologne, Germany· Recruiting
- Herzzentrum Dresden GmbHVerified postcodeDresden, Germany· Active not recruiting
- Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf - Klinik für Kardiologie, Pneumologie und AngiologieVerified postcodeDüsseldorf, Germany· Recruiting
- Elisabeth Krankenhaus Essen - Klinik für Akut- und NotfallmedizinVerified postcodeEssen, Germany· Recruiting
- Klinikum Frankfurt HöchstVerified postcodeFrankfurt, Germany· Recruiting
- Universitätsklinikum Halle (Saale)Verified postcodeHalle, Germany· Recruiting
- Universitäres Herz- und Gefäßzentrum HamburgVerified postcodeHamburg, Germany· Recruiting
Common questions
What is an 'out-of-hospital cardiac arrest'?
It's when someone's heart suddenly stops beating outside of a hospital setting, often at home or in public.
Why is this study only looking at people with 'cardiac causes'?
This means the study is focusing on heart stoppages caused by a problem with the heart itself, to understand this specific situation better.
Will my personal details be shared?
The information collected is anonymised as much as possible to protect your privacy, so your personal details won't be made public.
Do I have to do anything if I participate?
No, if you or your representative agree, doctors will simply record information from your existing medical notes. You won't have to change anything you're doing.
Will I get any special treatment in hospital if I join?
No, your medical care will be exactly the same whether you join the study or not. This study is about collecting information, not giving new treatments.
How to find out more
Janine Pöss, Dr.
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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