Improving Survival After In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: The Australian Experience

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Survival rates after in-hospital cardiac arrest have not improved markedly despite improvements in technology and resuscitation training. OBJECTIVES: To investigate clinical variables that influence return of spontaneous circulation and survival to discharge after in-hospital cardiac arrest. METHODS: An Utstein-style resuscitation template was implemented in a 750-bed hospital. Data on 158 events were collected from January 2004 through November 2004. Significant variables were analyzed by using a multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS: Of the 158 events, 128 were confirmed cardiac arrests. Return of spontaneous circulation occurred in 69 cases (54%), and the patient survived to discharge in 41 (32%). An initial shockable rhythm was present in 42 cases (33%), with a return of spontaneous circulation in 32 (76%) and survival to discharge in 24 (57%). An initial nonshockable rhythm was present in the remaining 86 cases (67%), with a return of spontaneous circulation in 37 (43%) and survival to discharge in 17 (20%). Witnessed or monitored arrests (P=.006), time to arrival of the cardiac arrest team (P=.002), afternoon shift (P=.02), and initial shockable rhythm (P=.005) were independently associated with return of spontaneous circulation. Location of patient in a critical care area (P=.002), initial shockable rhythm (P<.001), and length of resuscitation (P=.02) were independently associated with survival to hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: The high rate of survival to discharge after cardiac arrest is attributed to extensive education and the incorporation of semiautomatic external defibrillators into basic life support management.