One-year survival and neurological outcome after pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation

T Horisberger1, E Fischer, S Fanconi

  • 1Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, University Children's Hospital, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.

Insights

Predictors of survival after pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) include arrest location, cause, and duration. Most survivors maintained their neurological status, indicating good long-term outcomes after pediatric CPR.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Cardiology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Survival rates after pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) show significant variability.
  • Assessing long-term neurological outcomes post-resuscitation is crucial for pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify predictors of 1-year survival following in- and outpatient pediatric CPR.
  • To evaluate the long-term neurological status of children who survive CPR.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records and prospective follow-up of CPR survivors.
  • Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify survival predictors.
  • Neurological outcome was assessed using the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category (PCPC) scale.

Main Results:

  • Of 89 patients receiving CPR, 71 were successfully resuscitated, with 48 (54%) alive at 1 year.
  • Survival predictors included resuscitation location, CPR during peri- or postoperative care, and duration of resuscitation.
  • 77% of 1-year survivors had no change in their neurological status (PCPC score) compared to pre-CPR baseline.

Conclusions:

  • Location of arrest, underlying cause, and duration of CPR are independent determinants of long-term survival in pediatric resuscitation.
  • Pediatric CPR survivors generally experience little to no decline in neurological function.
Abstract

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