Does age affect outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation?
We examined the relation between age and outcomes in patients treated for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Seattle, Wash. Considering all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests treated by paramedics over a recent 5-year period, 386 (27%) of 1405 consecutive patients aged 70 years or older were resuscitated and admitted to a hospital vs 474 (29%) of 1624 younger patients; 140 elderly patients (10%) were discharged alive vs 223 younger patients (14%). Of the 140 elderly patients, 112 went home and 28 went to a nursing home. Considering only patients whose initial rhythms were ventricular fibrillation, the percent of patients discharged alive was substantially higher: 120 (24%) of 493 for elderly patients and 194 (30%) of 639 for younger patients. Elderly patients can benefit from attempted resuscitation from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Longstreth
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WT
Divisions of Neurology, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle 98104-2499.
Cobb
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LA
Fahrenbruch
C E
CE
Copass
M K
MK
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018579:Patient Selection; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015996:Survival Rate; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D014861:Washington / Q000453:epidemiology