The long-term health impact and potential predictors of cardiopulmonary arrest in patients with childhood-onset psychomotor impairments

Aim: The aim of the study was to understand the long-term health issues and potential predictors of cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) in patients with severe childhood-onset psychomotor impairments.

Method: In this single-center, retrospective observational study, the medical records of 140 patients with severe childhood-onset psychomotor impairments were reviewed. The medical interventions and functional status of patients with a history of CPA (n=22: 14 M/8 F; mean±SD age: 26.6±12.4 years) were compared with age- and sex-matched patients without a history of CPA (n=44: 28 M/16 F; mean±SD age: 26.5±12.3 years).

Results: The prevalence of CPA was 15.7%. The most frequent cause was respiratory issues, and CPA occurred most frequently between 0 and 5 years old. The patients who had a history of CPA were more likely to have required a feeding tube (p=0.0007), tracheostomy (p<0.0001), and ventilator (p=0.002) compared to the non-CPA patients, while the prevalence of tracheostomy or ventilator treatment during early infancy was comparable between both groups. Although statistically non-significant, patients who used antiepileptics or feeding tubes during the neonatal period had higher odds of a future CPA.

Interpretation: This single-center study indicated that the prevalence of CPA could be high among individuals with severe childhood-onset psychomotor impairments, and patients who experience CPA have more health issues. The potential predictors for a future CPA are young age (0-5 years), respiratory issues, and antiepileptic or feeding tube usage during the neonatal period. These patients may require extra attention in medical managements.