Cardiopulmonary resuscitation of old people.
In a prospective study, cardiopulmonary resuscitation was attempted in 52 elderly patients (mean age 75.6 yr, range 64-91). Of 14 who were resuscitated initially, 5 died in the first week. Of the 9 still alive at one month (mean age 75.3, range 65-85), none seemed to have adverse effects, in terms of mental status or physical dependence, from the episode of cardiac arrest and resuscitation; 7 had left hospital. The nature of the cardiac dysrhythmia is a strong predictor of outcome. Age, sex, and time of arrest are not.
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000379:methods