Older Adults Had Similar Survival Rates Compared to Their Younger Counterparts Following Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Background: Several factors affect the outcome of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) following in hospital cardiac arrests, including presence of comorbidities, arrest characteristics, and resuscitation efforts. We sought to determine the outcome of CPR provided to elders suffering from in-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest and to compare it to the survival of their younger counterparts in a tertiary care center in Lebanon. Methods: Retrospective chart review of all patients suffering from cardiac arrests who received CPR during a one year period in a tertiary care center located in a rural area. Results: A total of 98 cardiac arrests were identified who received CPR according to advance cardiac life support protocols (ACLS). Initial return of spontaneous circulation was higher among younger subjects but the difference was not statistically significant (52.6% vs 34.2%, p = 0.136). Survival to discharge was low but slightly higher in the younger subgroup, yet the difference was not statistically significant (5% vs 3%, p = 0.535). Conclusions: Physicians need to be aware of the outcome of CPR in the hospitals they practice in. They can educate their patients about CPR outcome. Such education may help patients and their next of kin make informed decisions jointly with their physician regarding resuscitation.