Reaction of patients on chronic dialysis to discussions about cardiopulmonary resuscitation

A total of 146 patients, 91 on chronic hemodialysis and 55 on chronic peritoneal dialysis, were asked to declare their choice of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in cases of cardiopulmonary arrest. Fifty-four patients (37%) declined CPR. The severity of medical disability and the presence of diabetes were independent predictors of refusal of CPR. The pattern of patient reaction to CPR gave valuable information about patients' comprehension of this issue and about patients' ability to cope emotionally with CPR. On the basis of the reaction pattern, approximately 95% of the patients interviewed understood CPR and reacted to it appropriately. Questioning dialysis patients about their CPR preference is feasible and fruitful.