Confusion surrounding the treatment of traumatic cardiac arrest.
BACKGROUND
To delineate the most reasonable approach to patients with traumatic cardiac arrest we studied the experience at our level 1 trauma center.


METHODS
Patients with life-threatening trauma admitted during a 41-month period were screened to identify 245 patients who suffered cardiac arrest. Mechanisms of injury, location of arrest, length of arrest, transport methods, treatment rendered, neurologic state, outcomes, and cost of treatment were determined.


RESULTS
Six (2.4 percent) patients survived. Mechanism of injury, location of arrest, and age did not correlate with survival. Arrest time longer than ten minutes and loss of neurologic function were associated with mortality. Cost of care was not excessive.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with traumatic cardiac arrest with intact neurologic function should receive treatment. Resuscitation should not be attempted in patients who also have severe brain injury or prolonged time of cardiac arrest.
Fulton
R L
RL
Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, KY 40292, USA.
Voigt
W J
WJ
Hilakos
A S
AS
D000067:Accounts Payable and Receivable; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000191:economics; D015996:Survival Rate; D013908:Thoracotomy; D013997:Time Factors; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000191:economics; D014193:Trauma Centers; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications*