Factors of importance to 30-day survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest in Sweden – A population-based register study of more than 18,000 cases

Neurological function before and after an in-hospital cardiac arrest - A nationwide registry-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

According to the Utstein Registry Template for in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA), a good neurological outcome is defined as either Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) 1-2 at discharge from hospital or unchanged CPC compared to baseline. However, the latter alternative has rarely been described in IHCA. This study aimed to examine CPC at admission to hospital, the occurrence of post-arrest neurological deterioration, and the factors associated with such deterioration.

METHODS

We studied adult IHCA survivors registered in the Swedish Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation between 2007 and 2022. The CPC was assessed based on information from admission and discharge from hospital. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and significance tests.

RESULTS

One in ten IHCA had a CPC score > 1 at admission to hospital. Out of 7,677 IHCA who survived until hospital discharge and had full CPC data, 6,774 (88%) had preserved CPC, 150 (2%) had improved CPC, and 753 (10%) had deteriorated CPC. Among the factors significantly associated with deteriorated neurological function are IHCA in a general ward or intensive care unit, non-shockable rhythm, no ECG surveillance, and a higher proportion of intra-arrest and post-resuscitation treatments (all p-values < 0,05).

CONCLUSION

Most patients had preserved neurological function compared to admission. Factors associated with deteriorated neurological function are mainly concordant with established risk factors for adverse outcomes and are primarily intra-arrest and post-resuscitation, making deterioration hard to predict. Further, every tenth survivor was admitted with CPC more than 1, stressing the use of unchanged CPC as an outcome in IHCA.

Aetiology and predictors of outcome in non-shockable in-hospital cardiac arrest: A retrospective cohort study from the Swedish Registry for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

BACKGROUND

Non-shockable in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is a condition with diverse aetiology, predictive factors, and outcome. This study aimed to compare IHCA with initial asystole or pulseless electrical activity (PEA), focusing specifically on their aetiologies and the significance of predictive factors.

METHODS

Using the Swedish Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, adult non-shockable IHCA cases from 2018 to 2022 (n = 5788) were analysed. Exposure was initial rhythm, while survival to hospital discharge was the primary outcome. A random forest model with 28 variables was used to generate permutation-based variable importance for outcome prediction.

RESULTS

Overall, 60% of patients (n = 3486) were male and the median age was 75 years (IQR 67-81). The most frequent arrest location (46%) was on general wards. Comorbidities were present in 79% of cases and the most prevalent comorbidity was heart failure (33%). Initial rhythm was PEA in 47% (n = 2702) of patients, and asystole in 53% (n = 3086). The most frequent aetiologies in both PEA and asystole were cardiac ischemia (24% vs. 19%, absolute difference [AD]: 5.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0% to 7.7%), and respiratory failure (14% vs. 13%, no significant difference). Survival was higher in asystole (24%) than in PEA (17%) (AD: 7.3%; 95% CI 5.2% to 9.4%). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) durations were longer in PEA, 18 vs 15 min (AD 4.9 min, 95% CI 4.0-5.9 min). The duration of CPR was the single most important predictor of survival across all subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Aetiology ranked as the second most important predictor in most analyses, except in the asystole subgroup where responsiveness at cardiac arrest team arrival took precedence.

CONCLUSIONS

In this nationwide registry study of non-shockable IHCA comparing asystole to PEA, cardiac ischemia and respiratory failure were the predominant aetiologies. Duration of CPR was the most important predictor of survival, followed by aetiology. Asystole was associated with higher survival compared to PEA, possibly due to shorter CPR durations and a larger proportion of reversible aetiologies.

2024 RECOVER Guidelines: Monitoring. Evidence and knowledge gap analysis with treatment recommendations for small animal CPR

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review evidence on and devise treatment recommendations for patient monitoring before, during, and following CPR in dogs and cats, and to identify critical knowledge gaps.

DESIGN

Standardized, systematic evaluation of literature pertinent to peri-CPR monitoring following Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Prioritized questions were each reviewed by Evidence Evaluators, and findings were reconciled by Monitoring Domain Chairs and Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) Co-Chairs to arrive at treatment recommendations commensurate to quality of evidence, risk:benefit relationship, and clinical feasibility. This process was implemented using an Evidence Profile Worksheet for each question that included an introduction, consensus on science, treatment recommendations, justification for these recommendations, and important knowledge gaps. A draft of these worksheets was distributed to veterinary professionals for comment for 4 weeks prior to finalization.

SETTING

Transdisciplinary, international collaboration in university, specialty, and emergency practice.

RESULTS

Thirteen questions pertaining to hemodynamic, respiratory, and metabolic monitoring practices for identification of cardiopulmonary arrest, quality of CPR, and postcardiac arrest care were examined, and 24 treatment recommendations were formulated. Of these, 5 recommendations pertained to aspects of end-tidal CO2 (ETco2) measurement. The recommendations were founded predominantly on very low quality of evidence, with some based on expert opinion.

CONCLUSIONS

The Monitoring Domain authors continue to support initiation of chest compressions without pulse palpation. We recommend multimodal monitoring of patients at risk of cardiopulmonary arrest, at risk of re-arrest, or under general anesthesia. This report highlights the utility of ETco2 monitoring to verify correct intubation, identify return of spontaneous circulation, evaluate quality of CPR, and guide basic life support measures. Treatment recommendations further suggest intra-arrest evaluation of electrolytes (ie, potassium and calcium), as these may inform outcome-relevant interventions.

Survival of In-Hospital Cardiopulmonary Arrest in Trauma Patients

INTRODUCTION

Relative to other hospitalized patients, trauma patients are younger with fewer comorbidities, but the incidence and outcomes of in-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest (IHCA) with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in this population is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate factors associated with survival in trauma patients after IHCA to test the hypothesis that compared to other hospitalized patients, trauma patients with IHCA have improved survival.

METHODS

Retrospective review of the Trauma Quality Improvement Program database 2017 to 2019 for patients who had IHCA with CPR. Primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, and ventilator days. Data were compared with univariate and multivariate analyses at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

In 22,346,677 admitted trauma patients, 14,056 (0.6%) received CPR. Four thousand three hundred seventy-seven (31.1%) survived to discharge versus 26.4% in a national sample of all hospitalized patients (P < 0.001). In trauma patients, median age was 55 y, the majority were male (72.2%). Mortality was higher for females versus males (70.3% versus 68.3%, P = 0.026). Multivariate regression showed that older age 1.01 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.02), Hispanic ethnicity 1.21 (95% CI 1.04-1.40), and penetrating trauma 1.51 (95% CI 1.32-1.72) were risk factors for mortality, while White race was a protective factor 0.36 (95% CI 0.14-0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to show that the incidence of IHCA with CPR is approximately six in 1000 trauma admissions and 31% survive to hospital discharge, which is higher than other hospitalized patients. Age, gender, racial, and ethnic disparities also influence survival.

Hospitalized patients' attitudes towards participating in a randomized control trial in case of a cardiac arrest

Background

No previous study has evaluated patients attitudes towards inclusion in an ongoing cardiac arrest clinical trial. The aim of this study was to assess patientś willingness and motives to participate in the ongoing randomized controlled drug trial "Vasopressin and Steroids in addition to Adrenaline in cardiac arrest" (VAST-A trial) in case of an in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA).

Objectives

Hospitalized patients, men ≥ 18 and women ≥ 50 years, were asked for informed consent for inclusion in the VAST-A trial in case of an IHCA, the reason for approving or declining inclusion in the trial and baseline characteristics.

Methods

Patients admitted to hospital were asked to give informed consent of inclusion in VAST-A in case of an IHCA during their hospital stay. Patients were also asked why they approved or declined inclusion as well as baseline characteristics questions.

Results

1,064 patients were asked about willingness to participate in the VAST-A trial, of these 902 (84.8%) patients approved inclusion. A subgroup of 411 patients were, except willingness, also asked about motives to participate or not and basic characteristics. The main reason for approving inclusion was to contribute to research (n = 328, 83.9%). The main reason for declining inclusion was concerns regarding testing the drug treatment (n = 6, 30%).

Conclusion

Among hospitalized patients the vast majority gave informed consent to inclusion in an ongoing randomized cardiac arrest drug trial. The main reason for approving inclusion was to contribute to research.

Compliance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines in witnessed in-hospital cardiac arrest events and patient outcome on monitored versus non-monitored wards

BACKGROUND

Adherence to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines in treatment of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) have been associated with favourable patient outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate if compliance with initial CPR guidelines and patient outcome of witnessed IHCA events were associated with the place of arrest defined as monitored versus non-monitored ward.

METHODS

A total of 956 witnessed IHCA events in adult patients at six hospitals during 2018 to 2019, were extracted from the Swedish Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Initial CPR guidelines were: ≤1 min from collapse to alert of the rapid response team, ≤1 min from collapse to start of CPR, ≤3 min from collapse to defibrillation of shockable rhythm.

RESULTS

The odds of compliance with guidelines was higher on monitored wards vs non-monitored wards, even after adjustment for factors that could affect staffing and resources. The place of arrest was not a significant factor for sustained return of spontaneous circulation, survival at 30 days, or neurological status at discharge, when adjusting for clinically relevant confounders. Compliance with initial CPR guidelines remained a significant factor for survival to 30 days and favourable neurological outcome at discharge regardless of other confounders.

CONCLUSION

Compliance with initial CPR guidelines was higher in witnessed IHCA events on monitored wards than on non-monitored wards, which indicates that healthcare professionals in monitored wards are quicker to recognize a cardiac arrest and initiate treatment. When initial CPR guidelines are followed, the place of arrest does not influence patient outcome.

Prognostic implication of heart failure stage and left ventricular ejection fraction for patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest: a 16-year retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA guidelines for the management of heart failure (HF) makes therapeutic recommendations based on HF status. We investigated whether the prognosis of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) could be stratified by HF stage and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

METHODS

This single-center retrospective study analyzed the data of patients who experienced IHCA between 2005 and 2020. Based on admission diagnosis, past medical records, and pre-arrest echocardiography, patients were classified into general IHCA, at-risk for HF, pre-HF, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction or HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF-or-HFrEF) groups.

RESULTS

This study included 2,466 patients, including 485 (19.7%), 546 (22.1%), 863 (35.0%), 342 (13.9%), and 230 (9.3%) patients with general IHCA, at-risk for HF, pre-HF, HFpEF, and HFmrEF-or-HFrEF, respectively. A total of 405 (16.4%) patients survived to hospital discharge, with 228 (9.2%) patients achieving favorable neurological recovery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that pre-HF and HFpEF were associated with better neurological (pre-HF, OR: 2.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23-3.61, p = 0.006; HFpEF, OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.00-3.61, p = 0.05) and survival outcomes (pre-HF, OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.34-2.97, p < 0.001; HFpEF, OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.20-3.05, p = 0.007), compared with general IHCA.

CONCLUSION

HF stage and LVEF could stratify patients with IHCA into different prognoses. Pre-HF and HFpEF were significantly associated with favorable neurological and survival outcomes after IHCA. Further studies are warranted to investigate whether HF status-directed management could improve IHCA outcomes.

External validation of the rCAST for patients after in-hospital cardiac arrest: a multicenter retrospective observational study

No established predictive or risk classification tool exists for the neurological outcomes of post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) in patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). This study aimed to investigate whether the revised post-cardiac arrest syndrome for therapeutic hypothermia score (rCAST), which was developed to estimate the prognosis of PCAS patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), was applicable to patients with IHCA. A retrospective, multicenter observational study of 140 consecutive adult IHCA patients admitted to three intensive care units. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of the rCAST for poor neurological outcome and mortality at 30 days were 0.88 (0.82-0.93) and 0.83 (0.76-0.89), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the risk classification according to rCAST for poor neurological outcomes were 0.90 (0.83-0.96) and 0.67 (0.55-0.79) for the low, 0.63 (0.54-0.74) and 0.67 (0.55-0.79) for the moderate, and 0.27 (0.17-0.37) and 1.00 (1.00-1.00) for the high-severity grades. All 22 patients classified with a high-severity grade showed poor neurological outcomes. The rCAST showed excellent predictive accuracy for neurological prognosis in patients with PCAS after IHCA. The rCAST may be useful as a risk classification tool for PCAS after IHCA.

Incidence and case ascertainment of treated in-hospital cardiac arrest events in a national quality registry - A comparison of reported and non-reported events

BACKGROUND

Approximately 2500 in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) events are reported annually to the Swedish Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (SRCR) with an estimated incidence of 1.7/1000 hospital admissions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the compliance in reporting IHCA events to the SRCR and to compare reported IHCA events with possible non-reported events, and to estimate IHCA incidence.

METHODS

Fifteen diagnose codes, eight Classification of Care Measure codes, and two perioperative complication codes were used to find all treated IHCAs in 2018-2019 at six hospitals of varying sizes and resources. All identified IHCA events were cross-checked against the SRCR using personal identity numbers. All non-reported IHCA events were retrospectively reported and compared with the prospectively reported events.

RESULTS

A total of 3638 hospital medical records were reviewed and 1109 IHCA events in 999 patients were identified, with 254 of the events not found in the SRCR. The case completeness was 77% (range 55-94%). IHCA incidence was 2.9/1000 hospital admissions and 12.4/1000 admissions to intensive care units. The retrospectively reported events were more often found on monitored wards, involved patients who were younger, had less comorbidity, were often found in shockable rhythm and more often achieved sustained spontaneous circulation, compared with in prospectively reported events.

CONCLUSION

IHCA case completeness in the SRCR was 77% and IHCA incidence was 2.9/1000 hospital admissions. The retrospectively reported IHCA events were found in monitored areas where the rapid response team was not alerted, which might have affected regular reporting procedures.

Trends in Incidence and Outcomes of Cardiac Arrest Occurring in Swedish ICUs

OBJECTIVE

To determine temporal trends in the incidence of cardiac arrest occurring in the ICU (ICU-CA) and its associated long-term mortality.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

Swedish ICUs, between 2011 and 2017.

PATIENTS

Adult patients (≥18 yr old) recorded in the Swedish Intensive Care Registry (SIR).

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

ICU-CA was defined as a first episode of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and/or defibrillation following an ICU admission, as recorded in SIR or the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Registry. Annual adjusted ICU-CA incidence trend (all admissions) was estimated using propensity score-weighted analysis. Six-month mortality trends (first admissions) were assessed using multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression. Analyses were adjusted for pre-admission characteristics (sex, age, socioeconomic status, comorbidities, medications, and healthcare utilization), illness severity on ICU admission, and admitting unit. We included 231,427 adult ICU admissions. Crude ICU-CA incidence was 16.1 per 1,000 admissions, with no significant annual trend in the propensity score-weighted analysis. Among 186,530 first admissions, crude 6-month mortality in ICU-CA patients was 74.7% (95% CI, 70.1-78.9) in 2011 and 68.8% (95% CI, 64.4-73.0) in 2017. When controlling for multiple potential confounders, the adjusted 6-month mortality odds of ICU-CA patients decreased by 6% per year (95% CI, 2-10). Patients admitted after out-of-hospital or in-hospital cardiac arrest had the highest ICU-CA incidence (136.1/1,000) and subsequent 6-month mortality (76.0% [95% CI, 73.6-78.4]).

CONCLUSIONS

In our nationwide Swedish cohort, the adjusted incidence of ICU-CA remained unchanged between 2011 and 2017. More than two-thirds of patients with ICU-CA did not survive to 6 months following admission, but a slight improvement appears to have occurred over time.

Factors affecting do-not-attempt-resuscitation (DNAR) decisions among adult patients in the emergency department of a general tertiary teaching hospital in China: a retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

Do-not-attempt-resuscitation (DNAR) orders are designed to allow patients to opt out of receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the event of a cardiac arrest. While DNAR has become a standard component of medical care, there is limited research available specifically focusing on DNAR orders in the context of emergency departments in China. This study aimed to fill that gap by examining the factors related to DNAR orders among patients in the emergency department of a general tertiary teaching hospital in China.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

Emergency department.

PARTICIPANTS

This study and analysis on adult patients with DNAR or no DNAR data between 1 January 2022 and 1 January 2023 in the emergency department of a large academic comprehensive tertiary teaching hospital. A total of 689 were included in our study.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Whether the patient received DNAR was our dependent variable.

RESULTS

Among the total patients, 365 individuals (53.0%) had DNAR orders. The following variables, including age, sex, age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI), primary diagnosis of cardiogenic or cancer related, history of neurological dysfunction or cancer, were independently associated with the difference between the DNAR group and the no DNAR group. Furthermore, there were significant statistical differences observed in the choice of DNAR among patients with different stages of cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

In comparison to the no DNAR group, patients with DNAR were characterised by being older, having a higher proportion of female patients, higher ACCI scores, a lower number of patients with a primary diagnosis of cardiogenic and a higher number of patients with a primary diagnosis of cancer related, history of neurological dysfunction or cancer.

Poorer survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest among cancer patients: a population-based register study

AIMS

The association between cancer and survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has not been thoroughly investigated. We aimed to address this knowledge gap using national, population-based registries.

METHODS AND RESULTS

For this study, 30 163 patients with OHCA (≥18 years) were included from the Swedish Register of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Through linkage to the National Patient Registry, 2894 patients (10%) with cancer diagnosed within 5 years prior to OHCA were identified. Differences in 30-day survival between patients with cancer and controls (defined as patients with OHCA without previous cancer diagnosis) were assessed related to cancer stage (locoregional vs. metastasized cancer) and cancer site (e.g. lung cancer, breast cancer, etc.) using logistic regression adjusted for prognostic factors. Long-term survival was presented as a Kaplan-Meier curve. For locoregional cancer, no statistically significant difference in return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was seen compared with controls, and metastasized disease was associated with a poorer chance of ROSC. Cancer was associated with a lower 30-day survival for all cancers [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.57, confidence interval (CI) 0.49-0.66], locoregional cancer (adjusted OR 0.68, CI 0.57-0.82), and metastasized cancer (adjusted OR 0.24, CI 0.14-0.40) compared with controls. A lower 30-day survival compared with controls was seen for lung, gynaecological and haematological cancers.

CONCLUSION

Cancer is associated with poorer 30-day survival after OHCA. This study suggests that cancer site and disease stage are more relevant factors than cancer in general with regard to its effect on survival after OHCA.

In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

This article reviews the epidemiology and management of in-hospital cardiac arrest.

Aetiology and outcome in hospitalized cardiac arrest patients

Aims

To study aetiologies of in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCAs) and their association with 30-day survival.

Methods and results

Observational study with data from national registries. Specific aetiologies (n = 22) of IHCA patients between April 2018 and December 2020 were categorized into cardiac vs. non-cardiac and six main aetiology categories: myocardial ischemia, other cardiac causes, pulmonary causes, infection, haemorrhage, and other non-cardiac causes. Main endpoints were proportions in each aetiology, 30-day survival, and favourable neurological outcome (Cerebral Performance Category scale 1-2) at discharge. Among, 4320 included IHCA patients (median age 74 years, 63.1% were men), approximate 50% had cardiac causes with a 30-day survival of 48.4% compared to 18.7% among non-cardiac causes (P < 0.001). The proportion in each category were: myocardial ischemia 29.9%, pulmonary 21.4%, other cardiac causes 19.6%, other non-cardiac causes 11.6%, infection 9%, and haemorrhage 8.5%. The odds ratio (OR) for 30-day survival compared to myocardial ischemia for each category were: other cardiac causes OR 1.48 (CI 1.24-1.76); pulmonary causes OR 0.36 (CI 0.3-0.44); infection OR 0.25 (CI 0.18-0.33); haemorrhage OR 0.22 (CI 0.16-0.3); and other non-cardiac causes OR 0.56 (CI 0.45-0.69). IHCA caused by myocardial ischemia had the best favourable neurological outcome while those caused by infection had the lowest OR 0.06 (CI 0.03-0.13).

Conclusion

In this nationwide observational study, aetiologies with cardiac and non-cardiac causes of IHCA were evenly distributed. IHCA caused by myocardial ischemia and other cardiac causes had the strongest associations with 30-day survival and neurological outcome.

Potential role for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cardiopulmonary resuscitation (E-CPR) during in-hospital cardiac arrest in Australia: A nested cohort study

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of patients who fulfilled extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cardiopulmonary resuscitation (E-CPR) selection criteria during in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA).

Design

This is a nested cohort study.

Setting

Code blue data were collected across seven hospitals in Australia between July 2017 and August 2018.

Participants

Participants who fulfilled E-CPR selection criteria during IHCA were included.

Main outcome measures

Return of spontaneous circulation and survival and functional outcome at hospital discharge. Functional outcome was measured using the modified Rankin scale, with scores dichotomised into good and poor functional outcome.

Results

Twenty-three (23/144; 16%) patients fulfilled E-CPR selection criteria during IHCA, and 11/23 (47.8%) had a poor outcome. Patients with a poor outcome were more likely to have a non-shockable rhythm (81.8% vs. 16.7%; p = 0.002), and a longer duration of CPR (median 12.5 [5.5, 39.5] vs. 1.5 [0.3, 2.5] minutes; p < 0.001) compared to those with a good outcome. The majority of patients (18/19 [94.7%]) achieved sustained return of spontaneous circulation within 15 minutes of CPR. All five patients who had CPR >15 minutes had a poor outcome.

Conclusion

Approximately one in six IHCA patients fulfilled E-CPR selection criteria during IHCA, half of whom had a poor outcome. Non-shockable rhythm and longer duration of CPR were associated with poor outcome. Patients who had CPR for >15 minutes and a poor outcome may have benefited from E-CPR. The feasibility, effectiveness and risks of commencing E-CPR earlier in IHCA and among those with non-shockable rhythms requires further investigation.

Temporal variation in survival following in-hospital cardiac arrest in Sweden

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to investigate what characterizes IHCAs that take place during the "day" (Monday-Friday 7 am-3 pm), "evening" (Monday-Friday 3 pm-9 pm) and "night" (Monday-Friday 9 pm-7 am and Saturday-Sunday 12 am- 11.59 pm).

METHODS

We used the Swedish Registry for CPR (SRCR) to study 26,595 patients from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2019. Adult patients ≥18 years with a IHCA where resuscitation was initiated were included. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate associations between temporal factors and survival to 30 days.

RESULTS

30-day survival and Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) was 36.8% and 67.9% following CA during the day and decreased during the evening (32.0% and 66.3%) and night (26.2% and 60.2%) (p < 0.001 and p = 0.028). When comparing the survival rates between the day and the night, survival decreased more (change in relative survival rates) in small (<99 beds) compared to large (<400) hospitals (35.9% vs 25%), in non-academic vs academic hospitals (33.5% vs 22%) and on non-Electro Cardiogram (ECG)-monitored wards vs ECG-monitored wards (46.2% vs 20.9%) (p < 0.001 for all). IHCAs that took place during the day (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 1.47 95% CI 1.35-1.60), in academic hospitals (aOR 1.14 95% CI 1.02-1.27) and in large (>400 beds) hospitals (aOR 1.31 95% CI 1.10-1.55) were independently associated with an increased chance of survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients suffering an IHCA have an increased chance of survival during the day vs the evening vs night, and the difference in survival is even more pronounced when cared for at smaller, non-academic hospitals, general wards and wards without ECG-monitoring capacity.

Differences in Outcome of Patients with Cardiogenic Shock Associated with In-Hospital or Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Cardiogenic Shock (CS) complicated by in-hospital (IHCA) or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has a poor outcome. However, studies regarding the prognostic differences between IHCA and OHCA in CS are limited. In this prospective, observational study, consecutive patients with CS were included in a monocentric registry from June 2019 to May 2021. The prognostic impact of IHCA and OHCA on 30-day all-cause mortality was tested within the entire group and in the subgroups of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Statistical analyses included univariable t-test, Spearman's correlation, Kaplan-Meier analyses, as well as uni- and multivariable Cox regression analyses. A total of 151 patients with CS and cardiac arrest were included. IHCA on ICU admission was associated with higher 30-day all-cause mortality compared to OHCA in univariable COX regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses. However, this association was solely driven by patients with AMI (77% vs. 63%; log rank p = 0.023), whereas IHCA was not associated with 30-day all-cause mortality in non-AMI patients (65% vs. 66%; log rank p = 0.780). This finding was confirmed in multivariable COX regression, in which IHCA was solely associated with higher 30-day all-cause mortality in patients with AMI (HR = 2.477; 95% CI 1.258-4.879; p = 0.009), whereas no significant association could be seen in the non-AMI group and in the subgroups of patients with and CAD. CS patients with IHCA showed significantly higher all-cause mortality at 30 days compared to patients with OHCA. This finding was primarily driven by a significant increase in all-cause mortality at 30 days in CS patients with AMI and IHCA, whereas no difference could be seen when differentiated by CAD.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2023 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2022 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. The American Heart Association strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) publications, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index as effective predictor for in-hospital mortality of patients with cardiac arrest: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Cardiac arrest is currently one of the leading causes of mortality in clinical practice, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) is widely utilized to assess the severity of comorbidities. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the age-adjusted CCI score and in-hospital mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with the diagnosis of cardiac arrest, which is important but less explored previously.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study including patients aged over 18 years from the MIMIC-IV database. We calculated the age-adjusted CCI using age information and ICD codes. The univariate analysis for varied predictors' differences between the survival and the non-survival groups was performed. In addition, a multiple factor analysis was conducted based on logistic regression analysis with the primary result set as hospitalization death. An additional multivariate regression analysis was conducted to estimate the influence of hospital and ICU stay.

RESULTS

A total of 1772 patients were included in our study, with median age of 66, among which 705 (39.8%) were female. Amongst these patients, 963 (54.3%) died during the hospitalization period. Patients with higher age-adjusted CCI scores had a higher likelihood of dying during hospitalization (P < 0.001; OR: 1.109; 95% CI: 1.068-1.151). With the age-adjusted CCI incorporated into the predictive model, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.794 (CI: 0.773-0.814), showing that the prediction model is effective. Additionally, patients with higher age-adjusted CCI scores stayed longer in the hospital (P = 0.026, 95% CI: 0.056-0.896), but there was no significant difference between patients with varied age-adjusted CCI scores on the days of ICU stay.

CONCLUSION

The age-adjusted CCI is a valid indicator to predict death in ICU patients with cardiac arrest, which can offer enlightenment for both theory literatures and clinical practice.

Do Body Mass Index and Nutritional Risk Score 2002 Influence the In-Hospital Mortality of Patients Following Cardiac Arrest?

BACKGROUND

Contemporarily, cardiac arrest (CA) remains one of the leading causes of death. Poor nutritional status can increase the post-CA mortality risk. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and Nutritional Risk Score 2002 (NRS 2002) results and in-hospital mortality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

METHODS

A retrospective study and analysis of medical records of 161 patients admitted to the ICU of the University Clinical Hospital in Wrocław (Wrocław, Poland) was conducted.

RESULTS

No significant differences in body mass index (BMI) and nutritional risk score (NRS 2002) values were observed between non-survivors and survivors. Non-survivors had significantly lower albumin concentration (p = 0.017) and total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.015). In multivariate analysis BMI and NRS 2002 scores were not, per se, associated with the in-hospital mortality defined as the odds of death (Model 1: p: 0.700, 0.430; Model 2: p: 0.576, 0.599). Univariate analysis revealed significant associations between the hazard ratio (HR) and TG (p ≈ 0.017, HR: 0.23) and hsCRP (p ≈ 0.018, HR: 0.34). In multivariate analysis, mortality risk over time was influenced by higher scores in parameters such as BMI (HR = 0.164; p = 0.048) and hsCRP (HR = 1.006, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

BMI and NRS 2002, on their own (unconditionally - in the whole study group) did not alter the odds of mortality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The risk of in-hospital mortality (expressed as hazard ratio - the risk over the time period of the study) increased with an increase in BMI but not with NRS 2002.

In-hospital cardiac arrest: the state of the art

In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is associated with a high risk of death, but mortality rates are decreasing. The latest epidemiological and outcome data from several cardiac arrest registries are helping to shape our understanding of IHCA. The introduction of rapid response teams has been associated with a downward trend in hospital mortality. Technology and access to defibrillators continues to progress. The optimal method of airway management during IHCA remains uncertain, but there is a trend for decreasing use of tracheal intubation and increased use of supraglottic airway devices. The first randomised clinical trial of airway management during IHCA is ongoing in the UK. Retrospective and observational studies have shown that several pre-arrest factors are strongly associated with outcome after IHCA, but the risk of bias in such studies makes prognostication of individual cases potentially unreliable. Shared decision making and advanced care planning will increase application of appropriate DNACPR decisions and decrease rates of resuscitation attempts following IHCA.

Variations in Code Team Composition During Different Times of Day and Week and by Level of Hospital Complexity

BACKGROUND

Previous data demonstrated lower survival rates of in-hospital cardiac arrests during nights and weekends compared to weekday daytime. This study aimed to evaluate variations of personnel attending to codes based on day/night/weekend conditions within the US Veterans Affairs (VA) system, as well as variations of personnel responsible for intubations during codes.

METHODS

Hospital leaders were surveyed regarding code team membership, leadership, and intubations during four time periods (weekday daytime, weekday nighttime, weekend daytime, and weekend nighttime).

RESULTS

Surveys were completed for 93 of 123 eligible VA hospitals (response rate of 75.6%). Code teams were significantly smaller during "off-hours." Membership in code teams during regular vs. off-hours was significantly greater for ICU physicians (44.1% vs. 7.5%-15.0%, p < 0.001), anesthesiologists (34.4% vs. 12.9%, p < 0.001), and pharmacists (46.2% vs. 23.7%-26.9%, p < 0.01). Significant differences were found for codes led by ICU attendings (20.4% vs. 5.4%-7.5%, p < 0.05) and intubations performed by ICU attendings (21.5% vs. 6.5%-10.8%, p < 0.05). ICU-based physicians were team leaders more often in high-complexity hospitals (19.7%-50.0% vs. 0%-14.8%), while hospitalists led the majority in the low-complexity hospitals (28.8%-39.4% vs. 63.0%-70.4%). ICU physicians had significantly less involvement in code intubations in low-complexity hospitals (6.1%-22.7% vs. 3.7%-18.5%), while respiratory therapists took on most of this responsibility in low-complexity hospitals and particularly at night.

CONCLUSION

This study found significant differences in code team composition, leadership, and intubation responsibilities between regular and off-hours. Low-complexity hospitals, which are generally rural, had team compositions and responsibilities that were visibly different from higher-complexity hospitals.

Characteristics, survival and neurological outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A nationwide study of 56,203 cases with emphasis on cardiovascular comorbidities

Background

We studied clinical characteristics, survival and neurological outcomes in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular (CV) conditions who experienced an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Methods

We studied all cases of OHCA in the Swedish Registry for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (2010–2020). Patients were grouped according to the following pre-existing CV conditions prior: hypertension (HT), heart failure (HF) with HT, HF with ischemic heart disease (IHD), HF without HT or IHD, IHD, myocardial infarction (MI) and diabetes mellitus (DM), with groups being mutually exclusive. We studied 30-day survival and neurological outcomes using logistic and Cox regression.

Results

A total of 56,203 patients were included. The lowest rates of shockable rhythm occurred in cases with HT (19%), HF and HT (18%) and DM (18%). Median time to OHCA from diagnosis of HT was 2.0 years in cases aged 0–40 years at diagnosis of HT, 4.4 years in those aged 41–60 at diagnosis, 5.0 years in those aged 61–70 years, 5.6 years in those aged 71–80 years and 6.0 years in those aged 81 years or older. The lowest survival was noted for patients with HF and HT. Age and sex adjusted OR for CPC score 1 did not differ in any group.

Conclusion

The combination of HT and HF has the lowest survival of all cardiovascular comorbidities. Early onset of hypertension is a predictor for early cardiac arrest.

A national effort to improve outcomes for in-hospital cardiac arrest in China: The BASeline Investigation of Cardiac Arrest (BASIC-IHCA)

Background

In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is a common clinical event with poor outcomes. Former IHCA registries in China were local, inconsistent in data reporting, and lacked attention to the process of care. Therefore, we designed and implemented the BASeline Investigation of In-hospital Cardiac Arrest (BASIC-IHCA), the first national IHCA registry in China.

Methods

BASIC-IHCA is a prospective, multicenter, observational study with a nationwide surveillance network covering urban and rural hospitals from seven geographic regions of China. IHCA patients were enrolled continuously, and data were collected from medical records by investigators at participating hospitals. Key variables referring to the updated Utstein Template included patient information, event variables, process of care, and outcomes. Follow-up was conducted by telephone interview to obtain details on long-term survival and neurological status.

Results

Thirty-two urban hospitals and eight rural hospitals from twenty-nine provinces in seven geographic regions of China participated in BASIC-IHCA. The starting time of enrollment ranged from July 1, 2019, to January 1, 2020. By December 31, 2020, 35,451 IHCAs were enrolled in all participating hospitals, of which 19,493 (55%) received CPR, with a predominance of males (65%) and a median age of 65 years.

Conclusion

BASIC-IHCA is the first national registry for IHCA in China. It will describe the epidemiology and outcomes of IHCA from a nationwide perspective, with a particular focus on details of the process of care for quality improvement. Meanwhile, it will help to facilitate the standardization of IHCA-related data reporting in China.

Pre-arrest Prediction of Survival Following In-hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Systematic Review of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies

AIM

To evaluate the test accuracy of pre-arrest clinical decision tools for in-hospital cardiac arrest survival outcomes.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception through January 2022 for randomized and non-randomized studies. We used the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies framework to evaluate risk of bias, and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology to evaluate certainty of evidence. We report sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive outcome, and negative predictive outcome for prediction of survival outcomes. PROSPERO CRD42021268005.

RESULTS

We searched 2517 studies and included 23 studies using 13 different scores: 12 studies investigating 8 different scores assessing survival outcomes and 11 studies using 5 different scores to predict neurological outcomes. All were historical cohorts/ case control designs including adults only. Test accuracy for each score varied greatly. Across the 12 studies investigating 8 different scores assessing survival to hospital discharge/ 30-day survival, the negative predictive values (NPVs) for the prediction of survival varied from 55.6% to 100%. The GO-FAR score was evaluated in 7 studies with NPVs for survival with cerebral performance category (CPC) 1 ranging from 95.0% to 99.2%. Two scores assessed survival with CPC ≤2 and these were not externally validated. Across all prediction scores, certainty of evidence was rated as very low.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified very low certainty evidence across 23 studies for 13 different pre-arrest prediction scores to outcome following IHCA. No score was sufficiently reliable to support its use in clinical practice. We identified no evidence for children.

Impact of holiday periods on survival following an in-hospital cardiac arrest

Introduction

Higher rates of mortality following an in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) has been shown during nights and weekends, changes in staff density and composition has been suggested as a possible explanation. Changes in hospital staffing patterns are also common during holiday periods.

Aim

To investigate whether holiday periods are associated with decreased survival following an IHCA.

Material and methods

All patients ≥18 years who experienced an IHCA at Karolinska University Hospital between 2006 and 2019 were included. Patients were identified via and data was collected from the Swedish Registry for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Holiday was defined as two periods, a seven-week summer period and an approximately two-week Christmas period. The primary outcome was return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), secondary survival to hospital discharge. Logistic regression was performed to calculate odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjustment was done for known confounders.

Results

Out of 1936 registered cases, 264 (14%) occurred during holiday periods. Patient and event characteristics were similar on holidays compared to non-holidays. Both ratio for ROSC (45% and 55%, respectively) and survival (25% and 32% respectively) was poorer during holiday periods Adjusted OR for ROSC and survival was poorer during holiday periods compared non-holiday periods (OR 0.69 [95% CI, 0.53-0.92] and OR 0.69 [95% CI, 0.49-0.96], respectively).

Conclusion

Outcomes after IHCA was poorer during holiday periods compared to non-holiday periods even if patient and event characteristics was similar. Further research is needed to better understand to what degree staffing patterns and other factors contribute to the observed difference.

Etiologies of In-hospital cardiac arrest: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Etiologies of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) in general wards may differ from etiologies of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) given the different clinical characteristics of these patient populations. An appreciation for the causes of IHCA may allow the clinician to appropriately target root causes of arrest.

METHODS

MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were queried from inception until May 31, 2021. Studies reporting etiologies of IHCA were included. A random effects meta-analysis of extracted data was performed using Review Manager 5.4.

RESULTS

Of 12,451 citations retrieved from the initial literature search, 9 were included in the meta-analysis. The most frequent etiologies of cardiac arrest were hypoxia (26.46%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 14.19% to 38.74%), acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (18.23%, 95% CI 13.91% to 22.55%), arrhythmias (14.95%, 95% CI 0% to 34.92%), hypovolemia (14.81%, 95% CI 6.98% to 22.65%), infection (14.36%, 95% CI 9.46% to 19.25%), and heart failure (12.64%, 95% CI 6.47% to 18.80%). Cardiac tamponade, electrolyte disturbances, pulmonary embolism, neurological causes, toxins, and pneumothorax were less frequent causes of IHCA. Initial rhythm was unshockable (pulseless electrical activity or asystole) in 69.83% of cases and shockable (ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation) in 21.75%.

CONCLUSION

The most prevalent causes of IHCA among the general wards population are hypoxia, ACS, hypovolemia, arrythmias, infection, heart failure, three of which (arrhythmia, infection, heart failure) are not part of the traditional "H's and T's" of cardiac arrest. Other causes noted in the "H's and T's" of advanced cardiac life support do not appear to be important causes of IHCA.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2022 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2022 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population and an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, vascular contributions to brain health, and the global burden of cardiovascular disease and healthy life expectancy.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Clinical outcomes of in-hospital cardiac arrest in a tertiary hospital and factors related to 28-day survival: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES:

METHODS:

RESULTS:

CONCLUSIONS:

Prevalence and related factors of do-not-resuscitate orders among in-hospital cardiac arrest patients

PURPOSE

Studies concerning do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders in mainland China are rather scarce. We explored the prevalence and related factors of DNR orders among in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) patients at a general tertiary hospital in mainland China.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified all IHCA patients hospital-wide between July 2019 and September 2020. Data regarding DNR status were collected from medical records. We investigated the frequency of DNR orders and explored the determinant factors of DNR establishment using logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 1154 IHCA patients were included, 535 (46.4%) of whom established DNR orders. The following variables were independently associated with a higher DNR rate: female (OR 1.491; 95% CI 1.130-1.965), older age (OR 1.016; 95% CI 1.008-1.024), being a local resident (OR 1.790; 95% CI 1.344-2.383), pulmonary infection (OR 1.398; 95% CI 1052-1.859), respiratory insufficiency (OR 1.356; 95% CI 1.009-1.823), shock (OR 1.735; 95% CI 1.301-2.313), acute stroke (OR 1.821; 95% CI 1.235-2.686),neurological dysfunction (OR 1.527; 95% CI 1.149-2.028) and cancer (OR 3.316; 95% CI 2.461-4.468). Counterintuitively, patients with new-onset coronary artery disease (OR 0.592; 95% CI 0.419-0.837) were less likely to create DNR orders.

CONCLUSION

In mainland China, the DNR order signing rate is low, and the establishment of a DNR order is associated with demographics and comorbidity characteristics.

Empirical evidence for safety of mechanical ventilation during simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a physical model

BACKGROUND

Cardiac arrest is a critical event requiring adequate and timely response in order to increase a patient's chance of survival. In patients mechanically ventilated with advanced airways, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) maneuver may be simplified by keeping the ventilator on. This work assessed the response of an intensive care mechanical ventilator to CPR using a patient manikin ventilated in three conventional modes.

METHODS

Volume-controlled (VCV), pressure-controlled (PCV) and pressure regulated volume-controlled (PRVC) ventilation were applied in a thorax physical model, with or without chest compressions. The mechanical ventilator was set with inspiratory time of 1.0 s, ventilation rate of 10 breaths/min, positive end-expiratory pressure of 0 cmH₂O, FiO₂ of 1.0, target tidal volume of 600 mL and trigger level of -20 cmH₂O. Airway opening pressure and ventilatory flow signals were continuously recorded.

RESULTS

Chest compression resulted in increased airway peak pressure in all ventilation modes (p < 0.001), especially with VCV (137% in VCV, 83% in PCV, 80% in PRVC). However, these pressures were limited to levels similar to release valves in manual resuscitators (~60 cmH₂O). In pressure-controlled modes tidal/min volumes decreased (PRVC = 11%, p = 0.027 and PCV = 12%, p < 0.001), while still within the variability observed during bag-valve-mask ventilation. During VCV, variation in tidal/min volumes were not significant (p = 0.140). Respiratory rate did not change with chest compression.

CONCLUSIONS

Volume and pressure ventilation modes responded differently to chest compressions. Yet, variation in delivered volume and the measured peak pressures were within the reported for the standard bag-valve-mask system.

Epidemiology, etiology, and outcomes of in-hospital cardiac arrest in Lebanon

BACKGROUND

In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) constitutes a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. As data is scarce in the Middle East and Lebanon, we devised this study to shed some light on it to better inform both hospitals and policymakers about the magnitude and quality of IHCA care in Lebanon.

METHODS

We analyzed retrospective data from 680 IHCA events at the American University of Beirut Medical Center between July 1, 2016 and May 2, 2019. Sociodemographic variables included age and sex, in addition to the comorbidities listed in the Charlson comorbidity index. IHCA event variables were day, event location, time from activation to arrival, initial cardiac rhythm, and the total number of IHCA events. We also looked at the months and years. We considered the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival to discharge (StD) to be our outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

The incidence of IHCA was 6.58 per 1,000 hospital admissions (95% CI: 6.09-7.08). Non-shockable rhythms were 90.7% of IHCAs. Most IHCA cases occurred in the closed units (87.9%) (intensive care unit, respiratory care unit, neurology care unit, and cardiology care unit) and on weekdays (76.5%). ROSC followed more than half the IHCA events (56%). However, only 5.4% of IHCA events achieved StD. Both ROSC and StD were higher in cases with a shockable rhythm. Survival outcomes were not significantly different between day, evening, and nightshifts. ROSC was not significantly different between weekdays and weekends; however, StD was higher in events that happened during weekdays than weekends (6.7%vs. 1.9%, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of IHCA was high, and its outcomes were lower compared to other developed countries. Survival outcomes were better for patients who had a shockable rhythm and were similar between the time of day and days of the week. These findings may help inform hospitals and policymakers about the magnitude and quality of IHCA care in Lebanon.

[Adult advanced life support]

These European Resuscitation Council Advanced Life Support guidelines are based on the 2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Science with Treatment Recommendations. This section provides guidelines on the prevention of and ALS treatments for both in-hospital cardiac arrest and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

In-hospital family-witnessed resuscitation with a focus on the prevalence, processes, and outcomes of resuscitation: A retrospective observational cohort study

AIM

International and national guidelines support in-hospital, family-witnessed resuscitation, provided that patients are not negatively affected. Empirical evidence regarding whether family presence interferes with resuscitation procedures is still scarce. The aim was to describe the prevalence and processes of family-witnessed resuscitation in hospitalised adult patients, and to investigate associations between family-witnessed resuscitation and the outcomes of resuscitation.

METHODS

Nationwide observational cohort study based on data from the Swedish Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

RESULTS

In all, 3257 patients with sudden, in-hospital cardiac arrests were included. Of those, 395 had family on site (12%), of whom 186 (6%) remained at the scene. It was more common to offer family the option to stay during resuscitation if the cardiac arrest occurred in emergency departments, intensive-care units or cardiac-care units, compared to hospital wards (44% vs. 26%, p < 0.001). It was also more common for a staff member to be assigned to take care of family in acute settings (68% vs. 56%, p = 0.017). Mean time from cardiac arrest to termination of resuscitation was longer in the presence of family (20.67 min vs. 17.49 min, p = 0.020), also when controlling for different patient and contextual covariates in a regression model (Stand(β) 0.039, p = 0.027). No differences were found between family-witnessed and non-family-witnessed resuscitation in survival immediately after resuscitation (57% vs. 53%, p = 0.291) or after 30 days (35% vs. 29%, p = 0.086).

CONCLUSIONS

In-hospital, family-witnessed resuscitation is uncommon, but the processes and outcomes do not seem to be negatively affected, suggesting that staff should routinely invite family to witness resuscitation.

European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: Adult advanced life support

These European Resuscitation Council Advanced Life Support guidelines, are based on the 2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Science with Treatment Recommendations. This section provides guidelines on the prevention of and ALS treatments for both in-hospital cardiac arrest and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: Epidemiology of cardiac arrest in Europe

In this section of the European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021, key information on the epidemiology and outcome of in and out of hospital cardiac arrest are presented. Key contributions from the European Registry of Cardiac Arrest (EuReCa) collaboration are highlighted. Recommendations are presented to enable health systems to develop registries as a platform for quality improvement and to inform health system planning and responses to cardiac arrest.

The outcome of in- and out-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest in the older population: a scoping review

Aim

We aimed to collect the available evidence on outcome regarding survival and quality of life after CPR following both IHCA and OHCA in the older population.

Findings

Hospital survival rates following IHCA and OHCA in the older population improved in the recent decade, though do not exceed 28.5% and 11.1%, respectively. The effect of age on outcome remains controversial and age should not be used as the sole decision criterium whether to initiate CPR.

Message

Future research should study frailty and resilience as an independent predictor regardless of age, and add broader, extensive QoL measures as outcome variables.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41999-021-00454-y.

Purpose

We aimed to collect the available evidence on outcome regarding survival and quality of life after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) following both in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in the older population.

Methods

A scoping review was performed studying published reviews after 2008, focusing on outcome of CPR in patients aged ≥ 70 years following IHCA and OHCA. In addition, 11 (IHCA) and 19 (OHCA) eligible studies published after the 2 included reviews were analyzed regarding: return of spontaneous circulation, survival until hospital discharge, long-term survival, neurological outcome, discharge location or other measurements for quality of life (QoL).

Results

The survival until hospital discharge ranged between 11.6 and 28.5% for IHCA and 0–11.1% for OHCA, and declined with increasing age. The same trend was seen regarding 1-year survival rates with 5.7–25.0% and 0–10% following IHCA and OHCA, respectively. A good neurological outcome defined as a Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) 1–2 was found in 11.5–23.6% (IHCA) and up to 10.5% (OHCA) of all patients. However, the proportion of CPC 1–2 among patients surviving until hospital discharge was 82–93% (IHCA) and 77–91.6% (OHCA). Few studies included other QoL measures as an outcome variable. Other risk factors aside from age were identified, including nursing home residency, comorbidity, non-shockable rhythm, non-witnessed arrest. The level of frailty was not studied as a predictor of arrest outcome in the included studies.

Conclusions

Hospital survival rates following IHCA and OHCA in the older population improved in the recent decade, though do not exceed 28.5% and 11.1%, respectively. The effect of age on outcome remains controversial and age should not be used as the sole decision criterium whether to initiate CPR. Future research should study frailty and resilience as an independent predictor regardless of age, and add broader, extensive QoL measures as outcome variables.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41999-021-00454-y.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2021 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2021 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, vascular contributions to brain health, the global burden of cardiovascular disease, and further evidence-based approaches to changing behaviors related to cardiovascular disease.

RESULTS

Each of the 27 chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policy makers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Adherence to guidelines is associated with improved survival following in-hospital cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

Most resuscitation guidelines have recommendations regarding maximum delay times from collapse to calling for the rescue team and initiation of treatment following cardiac arrest. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between adherence to guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) and survival with a focus on delay to treatment.

METHODS

We used the Swedish Registry for CPR to study 3212 patients with a shockable rhythm and 9113 patients with non-shockable rhythm from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2017. Adult patients older than or equal to 18 years with a witnessed IHCA where resuscitation was initiated were included. We assessed trends in adherence to guidelines and their associations with 30-day survival and neurological function. Adherence to guidelines was defined as follows: time from collapse to calling for the rescue team and CPR within 1 min for non-shockable rhythms. For shockable rhythms, adherence was defined as the time from collapse to calling for the rescue team and CPR within 1 min and defibrillation within 3 min.

RESULTS

In patients with a shockable rhythm, the 30-day survival for those treated according to guidelines was 66.1%, as compared to 46.5% among those not treated according to guidelines on one or more parameters, adjusted odds ratio 1.84 (95% CI 1.52-2.22). Among patients with a non-shockable rhythm the 30-day survival for those treated according to guidelines was 22.8%, as compared to 16.0% among those not treated according to guidelines on one or more parameters, adjusted odds ratio 1.43 (95% CI 1.24-1.65). Neurological function (cerebral performance category 1-2) among survivors was better among patients treated in accordance with guidelines for both shockable (95.7% vs 91.1%, <0.001) and non-shockable rhythms (91.0% vs 85.5%, p < 0.008). Adherence to the Swedish guidelines for CPR increased slightly 2008-2017.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to guidelines was associated with increased probability of survival and improved neurological function in patients with a shockable and non-shockable rhythm, respectively. Increased adherence to guidelines could increase cardiac arrest survival.

Survival and functional outcome at hospital discharge following in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA): A prospective multicentre observational study

AIM

To evaluate the functional outcome of patients after in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) and to identify associations with good functional outcome at hospital discharge.

METHOD

Emergency calls were prospectively screened and data collected for IHCAs in seven Australian hospitals. Patients were included if aged > 18 years, admitted as an acute care hospital in-patient and experienced IHCA; defined by a period of unresponsiveness with no observed respiratory effort and commencement of external cardiac compressions. Data collected included patient demographics, clinical and cardiac arrest characteristics, survival and functional outcome at hospital discharge using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Katz Index of Independence in ADLs (Katz-ADL).

RESULTS

152 patients suffered 159 IHCAs (male 66.4%; mean age 70.2 (± 13.9) years). Sixty patients (39.5%) survived, of whom 43 (71.7%) had a good functional outcome (mRS ≤ 3) and 38 (63.3%) were independent with activities of daily living (ADLs) at hospital discharge (Katz-ADL = 6). Younger age (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.91-0.98; p = 0.003), shorter duration of CPR (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.77-0.91; p < 0.0001) and shorter duration of hospital admission prior to IHCA (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.93-0.998; p = 0.04) were independently associated with a good functional outcome at hospital discharge.

CONCLUSION

The majority of survivors had a good functional outcome and were independent with their ADLs at hospital discharge. Factors associated with good functional outcome at hospital discharge were identified.

Effects of the Incidence Density of Fever (IDF) on Patients Resuscitated From In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Mediation Analysis

Objective: The aim of this research was to study the factors contributing to the survival rate of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) and to determine whether the incidence density of fever (IDF) acts as a mediator.

Methods: Data from patients with IHCA who survived more than 48 h were collected from 2011 to 2017. IDF was defined as the fever duration divided by the hospitalization duration, prolonged fever was defined as fever lasting for more than 5 days, and early fever was defined as an initial onset within the first 2 days of IHCA. Possible clinical variables associated with IDF were examined by linear regression, and possible clinical variables associated with survival rate were examined by univariate and multivariate analyses. IDF was investigated as a mediator of the indirect effects of the risk factors on survival.

Results: In our retrospective study, the median IDF was 0, with an interquartile range from 0 to 0.42. Prolonged fever was noted in 16% (97/605) of the total, and early fever was noted in 17.2% (104/605) of the total. Linear regression results showed that positive chest X-ray, central venous catheter and Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) ≤ 8 were related to IDF. The IDF (OR: 0.36, 95% CI, 0.13–0.97, P = 0.04), prolonged fever (adjusted OR = 0.13, 95% CI, 0.06–0.29, P < 0.001), positive chest X-ray (OR: 0.67, 95% CI, 0.46–0.98, P = 0.04), central venous catheter placement (OR: 0.54, 95% CI, 0.34–0.89, P = 0.01), and endotracheal intubation (OR: 0.47, 95% CI, 0.33–0.69, P < 0.001) were also related to the negative outcome of hospital discharge after adjustment. Additionally, positive chest X-ray had a 19% effect on survival outcome through IDF as a mediator, and the indirect effect of central venous catheter mediated by IDF accounted for 10% of the total.

Conclusions: A higher IDF, prolonged fever, a positive chest X-ray, the use of a central venous catheter and endotracheal intubation reduced the survival rate of these patients, and the detrimental impacts of a positive chest X-ray and the use of a central venous catheter on survival outcomes were partially mediated by IDF.

Cardiac arrest after pulmonary aspiration in hospitalised patients: a national observational study

OBJECTIVE

To study characteristics and outcomes among patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) due to pulmonary aspiration.

DESIGN

A retrospective observational study based on data from the Swedish Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (SRCR).

SETTING

The SRCR is a nationwide quality registry that covers 96% of all Swedish hospitals. Participating hospitals vary in size from secondary hospitals to university hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

The study included patients registered in the SRCR in the period 2008 to 2017. We compared patients with IHCA caused by pulmonary aspiration (n=127), to those with IHCA caused by respiratory failure of other causes (n=2197).

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome was 30-day survival. Secondary outcome was sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) defined as ROSC at the scene and admitted alive to the intensive care unit.

RESULTS

In the aspiration group 80% of IHCA occurred on general wards, as compared with 63.6% in the respiratory failure group (p<0.001). Patients in the aspiration group were less likely to be monitored at the time of the arrest (18.5% vs 38%, p<0.001) and had a significantly lower rate of sustained ROSC (36.5% vs 51.6%, p=0.001). The unadjusted 30-day survival rate compared with the respiratory failure group was 7.9% versus 18.0%, p=0.024. In a propensity score analysis (including variables; year, age, gender, location of arrest, initial heart rhythm, ECG monitoring, witnessed collapse and a previous medical history of; cancer, myocardial infarction or heart failure) the OR for 30-day survival was 0.46 (95% CI 0.19 to 0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

In-hospital cardiac arrest preceded by pulmonary aspiration occurred more often on general wards among unmonitored patients. These patients had a lower 30-day survival rate compared with IHCA caused by respiratory failure of other causes.

Validation of the Good Outcome Following Attempted Resuscitation (GO-FAR) score in an East Asian population

AIM

The Good Outcome Following Attempted Resuscitation (GO-FAR) score is useful for identifying patients post-arrest with very poor neurologic outcomes and may thus be utilized when counseling family members on do-not-attempt-resuscitation (DNAR) order. We validated the GO-FAR score for neurologically intact survival in patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) in an East Asian country in which DNAR order not common.

METHODS

Retrospective study about patients who experienced IHCA from 2013 to 2017 with a primary outcome of neurologically intact survival, defined as a CPC score 1 or 2 at discharge. GO-FAR score categorizes the patients into 4 groups: a very low (<1%), low (1%-3%), average (>3%-15%), or higher than average (>15%) likelihood of neurologically intact survival.

RESULTS

Of the 1011 included patients, the rates of survival discharge and neurologically intact survival at discharge were 25.4% and 16.0%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of GO-FAR score for good neurological outcome was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.78-0.84). Patients with low or very low probability of survival had a likelihood of 0.9% (95% CI, 0.0-2.0), but for those under 40 years old, it was increased to 4.2% (95% CI, 0.0-12.2). Patients with average or above-average probabilities had likelihoods of of 18.5% (95% CI, 15.3-21.6) and 50.5% (95% CI, 40.6-60.5), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The GO-FAR score well-predicted the neurologically intact survival of East Asian patients with IHCA. This tool may be used as part of a shared decision regarding DNAR orders.