Improved survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest outside critical care areas

The in-hospital Utstein Guidelines may be used to evaluate resuscitation strategies. This study utilized the Utstein template prospectively to examine changes in outcome and outcome-related factors after resuscitation outside critical care areas over a 10-year period.

Seinäjoki Central Hospital (460 beds) is a secondary hospital in Finland with acute care activities. In 1993, the in-hospital cardiac arrest management was remodelled; an intensive care unit-based resuscitation team was formed and prospective data collection began (modified according to the Utstein Guidelines in 1997). An analysis of resuscitation attempts outside critical care areas between 1993 and 2002 was performed. To monitor developments, the patients were divided into two groups (first period, 1993-97; second period, 1998-2002). Variables independently associated with survival were identified using multiple logistic regression analysis.

During the 10-year period, resuscitation was attempted in 183 patients. Survival to discharge was 6% during the first period and 16% during the second (P = 0.048). The corresponding figures for survival at 1 year from the event were 3% and 10% (P = 0.064). Independent predictors of survival were ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia as the initial rhythm [odds ratio (OR), 9.8; confidence interval (CI), 3.2-30.3] and cardiac arrest occurring during the second period (OR, 3.3; CI, 1.1-10.1).

Prospective Utstein style data collection proved to be a valuable tool for the evaluation of management and outcome following in-hospital cardiac arrest. Increased survival was seen over 10 years outside critical care areas. Organizational changes, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation training for ward personnel and standardized resuscitation management, may have contributed to this change.