Characteristics and outcome among 14,933 adult cases of in-hospital cardiac arrest: A nationwide study with the emphasis on gender and age

Am J Emerg Med. 2017 Dec;35(12):1839-1844. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2017.06.012. Epub 2017 Jun 7.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate characteristics and outcome among patients suffering in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) with the emphasis on gender and age.

Methods: Using the Swedish Register of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, we analyzed associations between gender, age and co-morbidities, etiology, management, 30-day survival and cerebral function among survivors in 14,933 cases of IHCA. Age was divided into three ordered categories: young (18-49years), middle-aged (50-64years) and older (65years and above). Comparisons between men and women were age adjusted.

Results: The mean age was 72.7years and women were significantly older than men. Renal dysfunction was the most prevalent co-morbidity. Myocardial infarction/ischemia was the most common condition preceding IHCA, with men having 27% higher odds of having MI as the underlying etiology. A shockable rhythm was found in 31.8% of patients, with men having 52% higher odds of being found in VT/VF. After adjusting for various confounders, it was found that men had a 10% lower chance than women of surviving to 30days. Older individuals were managed less aggressively than younger patients. Increasing age was associated with lower 30-day survival but not with poorer cerebral function among survivors.

Conclusion: When adjusting for various confounders, it was found that men had a 10% lower chance than women of surviving to 30days after in-hospital cardiac arrest. Older individuals were managed less aggressively than younger patients, despite a lower chance of survival. Higher age was, however, not associated with poorer cerebral function among survivors.

Keywords: Cardiac arrest; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / mortality*
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / statistics & numerical data
  • Comorbidity
  • Female
  • Heart Arrest / mortality*
  • Heart Arrest / therapy
  • Hospitalization / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Sex Factors
  • Survival Analysis
  • Survival Rate
  • Sweden / epidemiology
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome