Identifying cardiac arrests linked to opioid use outside of hospitals
Official title: Improving the Identification of Opioid-Associated Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10909294 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how often young adults have heart problems outside of the hospital because of opioid use, and it aims to create a helpful tool to better recognize these cases so that naloxone can be used more effectively to save lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $106,164 |
| NIH project number | 5K38HL165363-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909294 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 20 to 59 who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, particularly those with suspected opioid involvement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are over 59 years old or those whose cardiac arrest is clearly attributed to non-drug-related causes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the occurrence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) that are related to opioid use, particularly in younger adults aged 20 to 59. The study aims to develop a decision instrument called NACARDI, which uses specific exam-based criteria to better identify cases of opioid-associated cardiac arrest. By analyzing data from previous investigations, the research seeks to improve the understanding of how naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, can be effectively utilized in these situations. This could lead to more targeted and timely interventions for patients experiencing such emergencies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the identification and treatment of opioid-related cardiac arrests, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a significant prevalence of drug-related cardiac arrests, suggesting that this approach to identifying opioid-related cases is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dillon, David G — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Dillon, David G
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.