Evaluation of Adjunctive Electroacupuncture During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for In-Hospital Cardiogenic Cardiac Arrest: Resuscitation Efficiency and Post-ROSC Prognosis Analysis Based on Serum Biomarkers and Critical Care Scoring Systems

Background In-hospital cardiogenic cardiac arrest (CA) carries high risks of post-resuscitation organ damage and neurological impairment, with poor prognosis under standard care. Electroacupuncture offers protective effects on organs and nerves, but prognostic assessment using serum biomarkers and critical care scores remains limited. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture at Baihui (GV20) plus left Neiguan (PC6) combined with conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation on resuscitation-related parameters in all in-hospital CA patients and further analyze organ injury, neurological outcomes, and short-term survival in patients who achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Methods A total of 77 in-hospital CA patients with cardiogenic etiology were enrolled for resuscitation-related indicator analysis; among them, 43 patients achieved ROSC (19 in the electroacupuncture group and 24 in the control group) and were included in the post-ROSC prognostic analysis. After ROSC, initial arterial blood gas parameters, serum biomarkers, critical care and neurological function scores, and short-term survival were compared. Results ROSC rates and epinephrine doses did not differ significantly ( P > 0.05). Resuscitation time trended shorter in the electroacupuncture group but without significance (28.60 ± 13.85 vs. 37.94 ± 27.62 min, P = 0.057). This group showed significantly higher arterial oxygen partial pressure, lower carbon dioxide partial pressure, and reduced serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ( P < 0.05). Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, and Cerebral Performance Category scores were lower, while Glasgow Coma Scale was higher versus controls ( P < 0.05). Survival rates at 24 h, 72 h, and 5 days were 47.37%, 31.58%, and 21.05% in the electroacupuncture group, all exceeding control rates, yet without statistical significance ( P > 0.05). No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusion During cardiopulmonary resuscitation, combined intervention with electroacupuncture can significantly improve early oxygenation status after ROSC, reduce serum ALP levels, and improve patients’ early neurological function status.