Introduction
Deciding when not to attempt resuscitation (DNAR) is problematic for many reasons but not least because of the difficulty in predicting the outcome in any given individual. “Futility” is often used as a justification for DNAR, but it lacks precision and is prone to subjectivity. Predictive scoring systems might avoid unnecessary pessimism and also minimise truly futile attempts which are distressing and undignified. Existing scores have a high specificity and low sensitivity, and may have useful negative predictive value but they are based on trials involving fewer than 200 patients. Sepsis and renal impairment appear to indicate a poor outcome but no studies have examined biochemical indicators of infection and inflammation (elevated C reactive protein (CRP) or white cell counts (WCC)). This feasibility study examined the relationship between elevated CRP, WCC, and creatinine and poor outcome of CPR.