Aims:

To describe burden and health-related quality of life amongst caregivers of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors and explore the potential association with cognitive function of the survivors. Caregivers of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction were used as controls.

Methods:

Data were collected from the cognitive substudy of the Targeted Temperature Management-trial. Caregiver burden was assessed with the 22-item Zarit Burden Interview, with scores <20 considered as no burden. Health-related quality of life was assessed with the SF-36v2 (R), with T scores 47-53 representing the norm. Cardiac arrest survivors were categorized based on the results from cognitive assessments as having "no cognitive impairment" or "cognitive impairment".

Results:

Follow-up 6 months post event was performed for caregivers of 272 cardiac arrest survivors and 108 matched myocardial infarction controls, included at an intended ratio of 2:1. In general, caregivers of cardiac arrest survivors and controls reported similar caregiver burden. The overall scores for quality of life were within normative levels and similar for caregivers of cardiac arrest survivors and control patients. Compared to those with no cognitive impairment, caregivers of cognitively impaired cardiac arrest survivors (n = 126) reported higher levels of burden (median 18 versus 8, p < 0.001) and worse quality of life in five of eight domains, particularly "Role-Emotional" (mean 45.7 versus 49.5, p = 0.002).

Conclusions: In general, caregivers of cardiac arrest survivors and myocardial infarction controls reported similar levels of burden and quality of life. Cognitive outcome and functional dependency of the cardiac arrest survivor impact burden and quality of life of the caregiver.

Aim:

To describe the detailed health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in survivors from the TTM-trial and to investigate potential differences related to sex and age.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study originating from a large prospective international, multicentre trial, including 442 respondents who answered the Short Form-36 item Questionnaire Health Survey version 2® (SF-36v2®) at a structured follow-up 6 months after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Statistical analysis between independent groups were performed with Mann-Whitney U or Chi-square. Age was analysed primarily as a dichotomised variable.

Results:

Although overall physical and mental health were within the normal range, a substantial proportion of respondents had impaired function at domain-specific levels, particularly in Role-Physical (50%) and Role-Emotional (35%). Females scored significantly lower than males in; Physical Functioning (41.7 vs. 47.9, p < 0.001), Role-Physical (40.4 vs. 44.3, p = 0.02), General Health (47.0 vs. 50.5, p = 0.02), Vitality (47.2 vs. 52.7, p < 0.001), and Role-Emotional (41.5 vs. 46.2, p = 0.009). Those ≤65 years scored significantly better in Physical Functioning (47.9 vs. 44.1 p < 0.001), while those >65 years scored significantly better in Vitality (50.8 vs. 53.7, p = 0.006) and Mental Health (50.3 vs. 52.6, p = 0.04).

Conclusions:

Many OHCA survivors demonstrated impaired function in HRQoL at a domain level, despite most patients reporting an acceptable general HRQoL. Females reported worse HRQoL than males. Older age was associated with a worse Physical Functioning but better Vitality and Mental Health. Role-Physical and Role-Emotional aspects of health were especially affected, even when effects of age and sex where accounted for.

Background

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has been reported for out-hospital (OHCA) and in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) separately, but potential differences between the two groups are unknown. The aim of this study is therefore to describe and compare HRQoL in patients surviving OHCA and IHCA.

Methods

Patients ≥18 years with Cerebral Performance Category 1–3 included in the Swedish Registry for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation between 2014 and 2017 were included. A telephone interview was performed based on a questionnaire sent 3–6 months post cardiac arrest, including EQ-5D-5L and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Mann–Whitney U test and multiple linear- and ordinal logistic regression analyses were used to describe and compare HRQoL in OHCA and IHCA survivors. Adjustments were made for sex, age and initial rhythm.

Results

In all, 1369 IHCA and 772 OHCA survivors were included. Most OHCA and IHCA survivors reported no symptoms of with anxiety (88% and 84%) or depression (87% and 85%). IHCA survivors reported significantly more problems in the health domains mobility, self-care, usual activities and pain/discomfort (p < 0.001 for all) and scored lower general health measured by EQ-VAS (median 70 vs. 80 respectively, p < 0.001) compared with the OHCA survivors.

Conclusion

Survivors of IHCA reported significantly worse HRQoL compared to survivors of OHCA. Consequently, research data gathered from one of these populations may not be generalizable to the other.

Background: Most resuscitation guidelines have recommendations regarding maximum delay times from collapse to calling for the rescue team and initiation of treatment following cardiac arrest. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between adherence to guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) and survival with a focus on delay to treatment. Methods: We used the Swedish Registry for CPR to study 3212 patients with a shockable rhythm and 9113 patients with non-shockable rhythm from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2017. Adult patients older than or equal to 18 years with a witnessed IHCA where resuscitation was initiated were included. We assessed trends in adherence to guidelines and their associations with 30-day survival and neurological function. Adherence to guidelines was defined as follows: time from collapse to calling for the rescue team and CPR within 1 min for non-shockable rhythms. For shockable rhythms, adherence was defined as the time from collapse to calling for the rescue team and CPR within 1 min and defibrillation within 3 min. Results: In patients with a shockable rhythm, the 30-day survival for those treated according to guidelines was 66.1%, as compared to 46.5% among those not treated according to guidelines on one or more parameters, adjusted odds ratio 1.84 (95% CI 1.52-2.22). Among patients with a non-shockable rhythm the 30-day survival for those treated according to guidelines was 22.8%, as compared to 16.0% among those not treated according to guidelines on one or more parameters, adjusted odds ratio 1.43 (95% CI 1.24-1.65). Neurological function (cerebral performance category 1-2) among survivors was better among patients treated in accordance with guidelines for both shockable (95.7% vs 91.1%, <0.001) and non-shockable rhythms (91.0% vs 85.5%, p < 0.008). Adherence to the Swedish guidelines for CPR increased slightly 2008-2017. Conclusions: Adherence to guidelines was associated with increased probability of survival and improved neurological function in patients with a shockable and non-shockable rhythm, respectively. Increased adherence to guidelines could increase cardiac arrest survival.

Background: There is a knowledge gap regarding aetiology of and potential for predicting out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) among individuals whoare healthy before the event.Aim: To describe causes of OHCA and the potential for predicting OHCA in apparently healthy patients.Methods: Patients were recruited from the Swedish Register of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation from November 2007 to January 2011. Inclusioncriteria were: OHCA with attempted CPR but neither dispensed prescription medication nor hospital care two years before the event The registerincludes the majority of patients suffering OHCA in Sweden where cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was attempted. Medication status was definedby linkage to the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. Cause of death was assessed based on autopsy and the Swedish Cause of Death Register.Prediction of OHCA was attempted based on available electrocardiograms (ECG) before the OHCA event.Results: Altogether 781 individuals (16% women) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Survival to 30 days was 16%. Autopsy rate was 72%. Based on autopsy,70% had a cardiovascular aetiology and 59% a cardiac aetiology. An ECG recording before the event was found in 23% of cases. The ECG wasabnormal in 22% of them.Conclusion: Among OHCA victims who appeared to be healthy prior to the event, the cause was cardiovascular in the great majority according toautopsy findings. A minority had a preceding abnormal ECG that could have been helpful in avoiding the event.

Purpose: Most cardiac arrest research has focused on survival in an out-of-hospital context. The knowledge of health and quality of life is sparse, especially regarding in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) survivors. The aim of the current study was therefore to describe neurologic outcome, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), anxiety and symptoms of depression among IHCA survivors.

Materials and methods: This study has a cross-sectional design. Data from the Swedish Register of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation was used. In the register, data is collected 3–6 months after resuscitation by using a questionnaire including two questions about activities in daily life and mental/intellectual recovery, the EQ-5D-5L and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). In addition, Cerebral Performance Category (CPC)-scoring is performed.

Results: Between the 11th of June 2013 and the 7th of May 2015, 488 IHCA survivors with a mean age of 69 ± 13 were included. A majority were men (62%), had a cerebral function of CPC 1 (87%) and no need of assistance from other people in daily life (71%). A large proportion had not made a complete mental/intellectual recovery (27%). Pain/discomfort was the dimension in EQ-5D-5L where most survivors reported problems (64%), while least problems were reported in the dimension self-care (24%). The individual variations of present health state (EQ-VAS) were substantial (range 0–100), with a mean value of 66 ± 22. Anxiety and symptoms of depression were reported by 16% and 15% respectively.

Conclusions: Although the majority of the IHCA survivors reported good neurologic outcome, satisfactory HRQoL, no anxiety or symptoms of depression, the results indicate major individual differences, with a substantial group reporting serious problems. Our findings stress the importance of structured post resuscitation care and follow-up, in order to identify and support those in need.

AIM: To describe health status and psychological distress among in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) survivors in relation to gender.

METHODS: This national register study consists of data from follow-up registration of IHCA survivors 3-6 months post cardiac arrest (CA) in Sweden. A questionnaire was sent to the survivors, including measurements of health status (EQ-5D-5L) and psychological distress (HADS).

RESULTS: Between 2013 and 2015, 594 IHCA survivors were included in the study. The median values for EQ-5D-5L index and EQ VAS among survivors were 0.78 (q1-q3=0.67-0.86) and 70 (q1-q3=50-80) respectively. The values were significantly lower (p&lt;0.001) in women compared to men. In addition, women reported more problems than men in all dimensions of EQ-5D-5L, except self-care. A majority of the respondents reported no problems with anxiety (85.4%) and/or symptoms of depression (87.0%). Women reported significantly more problems with anxiety (p&lt;0.001) and symptoms of depression (p&lt;0.001) compared to men. Gender was significantly associated with poorer health status and more psychological distress. No interaction effects for gender and age were found.

CONCLUSIONS: Although the majority of survivors reported acceptable health status and no psychological distress, a substantial proportion reported severe problems. Women reported worse health status and more psychological distress compared to men. Therefore, a higher proportion of women may be in need of support. Health care professionals should make efforts to identify health problems among survivors and offer individualised support when needed.

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore associations between comorbidities and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) survivors.

Methods: This registry study is based on data from the Swedish Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (SRCR) collected during 2014–2017. HRQoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L, the EQ Visual Analogue Scale (EQ VAS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). In total, 1,278 IHCA survivors were included in the study, 3–6 months after the cardiac arrest (CA). Data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. The comorbidities analysed in this study were the patients’ status for diabetes, previous myocardial infarction, previous stroke, respiratory insufficiency, and heart failure.

Results: Overall, the IHCA survivors reported high levels of HRQoL, but there was great variation within the population, e.g., EQ VAS median (q1- q3) = 70 (50–80). Survivors with one or more comorbidities reported worse HRQoL in 6 out of 8 outcomes (p < 0.001). All studied comorbidities were each associated with worse HRQoL, but no comorbidity was associated with every outcome measure. Previous stroke and respiratory insufficiency were significantly associated with every outcome measure except for HADS Anxiety. The linear regression models explained 4–8% of the total vari- ance in HRQoL (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Since IHCA survivors with comorbidities report worse HRQoL compared to those without comorbidities, it is important to pay directed attention to them when developing and providing post-CA care, especially in those with respiratory insufficiency and previous stroke.

Aim

To explore factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among cardiac arrest (CA) survivors treated with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in relation to gender, and to compare their HRQoL with a general population.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 990 adults treated with an ICD after suffering CA. All participants received a questionnaire including demographics, comorbidities and instruments to measure HRQoL (EQ-5D-3L and HADS), ICD-related concerns (ICDC), perceived control (CAS), and type D personality (DS-14). HRQoL (EQ-5D-3L) was compared to a general Swedish population, matched for age and gender. Linear regression analyses were used to explore factors associated with HRQoL.

Results

The CA survivors reported better HRQoL in EQ index and less pain/discomfort compared to the general population (p < 0.001). In contrast, they reported more problems in mobility and usual activities (p < 0.01). Problems with anxiety and depression were reported by 15.5% and 7.4% respectively. The following factors were independently associated with all aspects of worse HRQoL: being unemployed, suffering more comorbidity, perceiving less control, and having a type D personality. Further, being female and suffering ICD-related concerns were independently associated with worse HRQoL in three of the four final regression models.

Conclusions

This extensive population-based study showed that most CA survivors living with an ICD rate their HRQoL as acceptable. In addition, their HRQoL is similar to a general population. Women reported worse HRQoL compared to men. Several factors associated with HRQoL were identified, and might be used when screening patients for health problems and when developing health promoting interventions.

Aim: The aim was to investigate the clinical performance of two different types of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Methods: Three investigators reviewed 2938 rhythm analyses performed by AEDs in 240 consecutive patients (median age 72, q1-q3 = 62-83) who had suffered cardiac arrest between January 2011 and March 2015. Two different AEDs were used (AED A n = 105, AED B n = 135) in-hospital (n = 91) and out-of-hospital (n = 149). Results: Among 194 shockable rhythms, 17 (8.8%) were not recognized by AED A, while AED B recognized 100% (n = 135) of shockable episodes (sensitivity 91.2 vs 100%, p < 0.01). In AED A, 8 (47.1%) of these episodes were judged to be algorithm errors while 9 (52.9%) were caused by external artifacts. Among 1039 non-shockable rhythms, AED A recommended shock in 11 (1.0%), while AED B recommended shock in 63 (4.1%) of 1523 episodes (specificity 98.9 vs 95.9, p < 0.001). In AED A, 2 (18.2%) of these episodes were judged to be algorithm errors (AED B, n = 40, 63.5%), while 9 (81.8%) were caused by external artifacts (AED B, n = 23, 36.5%). Conclusions: There were significant differences in sensitivity and specificity between the two different AEDs. A higher sensitivity of AED B was associated with a lower specificity while a higher specificity of AED A was associated with a lower sensitivity. AED manufacturers should work to improve the algorithms. In addition, AED use should always be reviewed with a routine for giving feedback, and medical personnel should be aware of the specific strengths and shortcomings of the device they are using. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Purpose: To investigate the performance of two different types of automated external defibrillators (AED) in out-of-hospital and in-hospital cardiac pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Performance criteria in terms of sensitivity and specificity have been established but real life data are sparse.

Materials and methods: Three investigators reviewed 2938 rhythm analyses performed by AED in 240 consecutive patients (38.3% women) suffering cardiac arrest between January 2011 and March 2015. The mean age was 70.1 ± 17.0 (3 months–104 years). Two different AED were used (AED A n = 105, AED B n = 135) in-hospital (n = 91) and out-of-hospital (n = 149).

Results: Among 194 shockable rhythms, 17 (8.8%) were not recognized by AED A, while AED B recognized 100% (n = 135) of shockable episodes (p < 0.001). In AED A, 8 (47.1%) of these episodes were judged to be algorithm errors while 9 (52.9%) were caused by external artifacts. Among 1039 non-shockable rhythms, AED A recommended shock in 11 (1.0%), while AED B recommended shock in 63 (4.1%) of 1523 episodes (p < 0.001). In AED A, 2 (18.2%) of these episodes were judged to be algorithm errors (AED B, n = 40, 63.5%) while 9 (81.8%) were caused by external artifacts (AED B, n = 23, 36.5%). Fine ventricular fibrillation was analyzed as a separate category since guidelines do not recommend shock in these cases. AED A advised shock in 24 (80%) of 30 episodes, while AED B advised shock in 8 (47%) of 17 episodes (p < 0.027).

Conclusions: Significant differences in performance could be detected between two different AED. A higher sensitivity of AED B was associated with a lower specificity while a higher specificity of AED A was associated with a lower sensitivity. Caregivers should be aware of the specific shortcomings of the device they are using. AED manufacturers should try to improve the algorithms in order to minimize the gap between sensitivity and specificity.

Background: Frailty is associated with poor 30-days survival after in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCA). The aim was to assess how pre-arrest frailty was associated with long-term survival, neurological function and patient-reported outcomes in elderly survivors after IHCA.Methods: Patients aged >= 65 years with IHCA at Karolinska University Hospital between 2013-2021 were studied. Frailty was assessed by the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) based on clinical records and categorised into non-frail (1-4) or frail (5-7). Survival was assessed in days. Neurological function was assessed by the Cerebral Performance Category scale (CPC). A telephone interview was performed six months post-IHCA and included the questionnaires EuroQoL-5 Dimensions-5 Levels and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.Results: Totally, 232 (28%) out of 817 eligible patients survived to 30-days. Out of 232, 65 (28%) were frail. Long-term survival was better for non-frail than frail patients (6 months (92% versus 75%, p-value < 0.01), 3 years (74% vs 22%, p-value < 0.01)). The vast majority of both non-frail and frail patients had unchanged CPC from admittance to discharge from hospital (87% and 85%, respectively, p-value 0.52). The 121 non-frail patients reported better health compared to 27 frail patients (EQ-VAS median 70 versus 50 points, p-value < 0.01) and less symptoms of depression than frail (16% and 52%, respectively, p-value < 0.01).Conclusion: Frail patients suffering IHCA survived with the same neurological function they had at admittance. Although one in five frail patients survived to three years, frailty was associated with a marked decrease in long-term survival as well as increased symptoms of depression and poorer general health.

Aim: To examine the psychometric properties of a modified version of the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE), for a cardiac arrest population (IQCODE-CA). Methods: The IQCODE-CA, a 26-item observer-reported questionnaire, was completed by informants, defined as relatives or close friends, of 268 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors who participated in the Target Temperature Management trial in a scheduled follow-up 180 +/- 14 days after OHCA. Survivors completed the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). An exploratory factor analysis was performed. Associations between IQCODE-CA results and demographic variables along with other instruments were calculated. Area under the curve (AUC) ratios were evaluated to examine discrimination. Results: The IQCODE-CA measured one factor, global cognitive decline, with high internal consistency (ordinal alpha = 0.95). Age, gender or education did not influence the IQCODE-CA score. Associations with performance-based measures of global cognitive function as well as anxiety and depression ranged from small to moderate (rs = -0.29 to 0.38). AUC ratios ranged from fair to good (0.72-0.81). According to the MMSE and RBMT, the optimal cut-off score to identify cognitive decline on the IQCODE-CA was 3.04. Using this value, 53% of the survivors were under the cut-off. Conclusions: The IQCODE-CA identified a large amount of survivors with possible cognitive problems, making it useful when screening for cognitive decline post-CA. Due to lower AUC ratios than desired, additional performance-based measures should be used to improve the overall screening methodology. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Aim: International and national guidelines support in-hospital, family-witnessed resuscitation, provided that patients are not negatively affected. Empirical evidence regarding whether family presence interferes with resuscitation procedures is still scarce. The aim was to describe the prevalence and processes of family-witnessed resuscitation in hospitalised adult patients, and to investigate associations between family-witnessed resuscitation and the outcomes of resuscitation.

Methods: Nationwide observational cohort study based on data from the Swedish Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

Results: In all, 3257 patients with sudden, in-hospital cardiac arrests were included. Of those, 395 had family on site (12%), of whom 186 (6%) remained at the scene. It was more common to offer family the option to stay during resuscitation if the cardiac arrest occurred in emergency departments, intensive-care units or cardiac-care units, compared to hospital wards (44% vs. 26%, p < 0.001). It was also more common for a staff member to be assigned to take care of family in acute settings (68% vs. 56%, p = 0.017). Mean time from cardiac arrest to termination of resuscitation was longer in the presence of family (20.67 min vs. 17.49 min, p = 0.020), also when controlling for different patient and contextual covariates in a regression model (Stand (b) 0.039, p = 0.027). No differences were found between family-witnessed and non-family-witnessed resuscitation in survival immediately after resuscitation (57% vs. 53%, p = 0.291) or after 30 days (35% vs. 29%, p = 0.086).

Conclusions: In-hospital, family-witnessed resuscitation is uncommon, but the processes and outcomes do not seem to be negatively affected, suggesting that staff should routinely invite family to witness resuscitation.

Purpose: Emotional distress, in terms of anxiety and depression, is common among patients who survive a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD) is one of the most used instruments to assess emotional distress in SCA survivors. However, it has not to our knowledge been psychometrically tested in this group of patients. The aim was therefore to evaluate the measurement properties of the HAD in SCA survivors.

Materials and methods: Data from the Swedish Register of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation was used. In the register, data is collected 3–6 months after resuscitation by using a questionnaire including HAD. Data quality was evaluated according to the distribution of item and scale score and missing data patterns. A principal component factor analysis was conducted to explore the factor structure. Internal consistency was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha.

Results: The sample consisted of 498 in-hospital survivors with a mean age of 69.3 ± 12.6 years. All items demonstrated problems with floor effects. The scale scores for both anxiety and depression deviated significantly from a normal distribution (p < 0.001). The factor analysis reproduced the hypothesized two-factor structure, which explained 59% of the total variance. The factor loadings varied between 0.547 and 0.778 for anxiety and between 0.651 and 0.780 for depression. Cronbach's alpha was 0.874 and 0.875 for anxiety and depression respectively.

Conclusions: The HAD demonstrated good measurement properties among SCA survivors. Despite problems with floor effects, the two HAD scales, anxiety and depression, seem to be uni-dimensional measures with good internal consistency. Therefore, the HAD can be recommended to assess emotional distress among SCA survivors.

Background: Non-shockable initial rhythm is a known risk factor for high mortality at cardiac arrest (CA). However, knowledge on its association with self-reported health in CA survivors is still incomplete.

Aim: To examine the associations between initial rhythm and self-reported health in CA survivors.

Methods: This nationwide study used data from the Swedish Register for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation 3–6 months post CA. Health status was measured using EQ-5D-5L and psychological distress by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Kruskal-Wallis test was used to examine differences in self-reported health between groups of different initial rhythms. To control for potential confounders, age, sex, place of CA, aetiology, witnessed status, time to CPR, time to defibrillation, and neurological function were included as covariates in multiple regression analyses for continuous and categorical outcomes.

Results: The study included 1783 adult CA survivors. Overall, the CA survivors reported good health status and symptoms of anxiety or depression were uncommon (13.7% and 13.9% respectively). Survivors with PEA and asystole reported significantly more problems in all dimensions of health status (p = 0.037 to p < 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.034), and depression (p = 0.017) compared to VT/VF. Overall, these differences did not remain in the adjusted regression analyses.

Conclusions: Initial rhythm is not associated with self-reported health when potential confounders are controlled. Initial rhythm seems to be an indicator of unfavourable factors causing the arrest, or factors related to characteristics and treatment. Therefore, initial rhythm may be used as a proxy for identifying patients at risk for poor outcomes such as worse health status and psychological distress.