Care pathways for individuals with post-anoxic disorder of consciousness (CaPIADoC): an inter-society Consensus Conference

Accurate recognition of consciousness level and detection of neurological complications since the intensive care unit are crucial for an appropriate prognostication and tailored treatment in patients with post-anoxic disorder of consciousness (DoC). The present inter-society Consensus Conference aimed at addressing current debates on diagnostic and prognostic procedures. Twelve working groups involving 22 multidisciplinary professionals (membership of 9 Scientific Societies and 2 patients' family Associations) conducted a systematic literature review focused on 12 questions addressing diagnosis (n = 5) and prognosis (n = 7). The quality of evidence of the included studies was evaluated using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence. A Jury involving Scientific Societies and patients' family Associations provided recommendations based on the evidence levels and expert opinion. An overall number of 1,219 papers was screened, and 21 were included in the review. Working groups produced a report on strengths and limits of evidence for each question. The overall suggestion was to use a multimodal assessment combining validated clinical scales, neurophysiological exams, and neuroimaging in diagnostic and prognostic procedure, to guide personalized treatment. A strong recommendation was to use standardized terminologies and diagnostic criteria for ensuring homogeneity and appropriateness in patients management. This multidisciplinary Consensus Conference provided the first operational recommendations for a good clinical practice procedure for patients with post-anoxic DoC. A periodic review will be necessary based on future evidence from the literature and implementation of the present recommendations.