title: Outcome of patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Ruptured aneurysm of the abdominal aorta (RAAA) is a condition associated with high mortality rate. If Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is required, outcome is considered even worse. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of CPR on 30-day mortality of RAAA patients. Furthermore the Hardman index was evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  109 patients with RAAA during a 5 year period (2001-2005) were analysed retrospectively. 30-day mortality, the presence of CPR and Hardman risk factors were recorded. The presence of CPR and the Hardman index were related to clinical outcome.
  
  
  RESULTS
  104 patients were included in our analysis. Eighteen patients received CPR. Overall 30-day mortality was 40%. Patients receiving CPR had a higher mortality rate than patients who did not (89% vs. 30%, p <0.0001). Patients receiving CPR prior to surgery had a mortality rate of 100% (n = 12). In patients with a Hardman Index of < or = 1, 2 and > or = 3 the 30-day mortality was respectively 15%, 47% and 81%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Requirement of CPR has a detrimental effect on RAAA-patient outcome. Patients receiving CPR prior to surgery have no survival chance. We advocate that surgery in these patients should not be undertaken. Hardman Index has a predictive value concerning 30-day mortality.
authors: Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
authors: A P A
authors: AP
authors: Greeven
authors: L H
authors: LH
authors: Bouwman
authors: H J
authors: HJ
authors: Smeets
authors: J M
authors: JM
authors: van Baalen
authors: J F
authors: JF
authors: Hamming