Factors associated with a change in functional outcome between one month and six months after cardiac arrest: a...

The appropriate time point of evaluation of functional outcome in cardiac arrest survivors remains a matter of debate. In this cohort study we posed the hypothesis that there are no significant changes in Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) between one month and six months after out-of hospital cardiac arrest. If changes were present we aimed to identify reasons for these changes.

Based on a cardiac arrest registry, a potential change in CPC and mortality between one month and six months after cardiac arrest was analysed. Variables that were associated with these changes were identified.

Thirty percent of 681 patients showed a significant change in functional outcome and mortality between one month and six months after out-of hospital cardiac arrest, 12% improved in CPC, 1% deteriorated, 17% died. The only factor that was associated with an improvement in CPC in the multivariate analysis was time to restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (RRR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.06, per minute). We could not find any significant factors associated with a deterioration of CPC. Factors that were associated with mortality were age (RRR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.06) and ventricular fibrillation as initial cardiac rhythm (RRR 0.34, 95% CI 0.16-0.71).

There is a relevant change of functional outcome even one month after out-of hospital cardiac arrest. Especially when studies compare patient groups with unequal arrest times, and an unequal distribution of initial cardiac rhythms a follow-up period longer than one month should be considered for the final outcome evaluation after cardiac arrest.