Effect of Amantadine Therapy on Neurological and Laboratory Outcomes in Post-Cardiac Arrest Intensive Care Patients: A Retrospective Analysis

Background: Cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) is a major public health issue due to its high mortality and risk of severe neurological impairment. This retrospective study investigated the impact of amantadine on neurological recovery, mortality, and inflammatory biomarkers in patients who achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after CPA and were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients aged 18-85 years who were admitted to the ICU after ROSC and stayed for at least six days between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: amantadine group (Group A, n=31) and control group (Group C, n=47). Demographics, GCS, CPC, and laboratory parameters (lactate, neutrophil, lymphocyte, NLR) were recorded on days 1, 2, 4, and 6. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0.Results: No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of age, sex, or CPR duration. Targeted temperature management was more common in Group A. While GCS, CPC, and inflammatory markers did not significantly differ between groups, lactate levels on day 6 were significantly lower in survivors. In non-survivors, day 2 neutrophil levels and day 4 NLR were significantly lower.Conclusions: Amantadine may offer neuroprotective benefits, though statistical significance was not reached. Larger prospective studies are needed. Lactate, neutrophil, and NLR may be valuable prognostic indicators in post-CPA patients.