Novel Blood Marker May Help Predict Cognitive Impairment After a Cardiac Arrest

Novel blood marker may help predict cognitive impairment after a cardiac arrest

Routine early measurement of the neurofilament light chain could help improve prediction of cognitive impairment after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, according to a study presented today at ESC Acute CardioVascular Care 2026, the annual congress of the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care (ACVC), a branch of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

Blood Test Predicts Long-Term Cognitive Function After Cardiac Arrest

Measuring neurofilament light chain levels 48 hours after cardiac arrest can predict long-term cognitive impairment, outperforming current standard blood tests. This biomarker offers a new way for clinicians to identify high-risk survivors and optimize post-arrest care.