Abstract

Introduction: Several small studies have reported variable outcomes following in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) in patients with COVID-19. A clear estimate is important in prognostication and guiding resuscitation efforts and policies for these patients. Methods: A search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases was conducted to identify studies reporting outcomes after IHCA in adult patients with confirmed COVID-19. The cumulative characteristics of the patients were described. The primary outcome studied was survival at 30 days or at hospital discharge (short term survival). Additional outcomes of interest were proportional prevalence of the initial rhythm at arrest, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and neurological recovery (defined as Cerebral Performance Category Score of 1-2 ). Metanalysis of proportions was performed utilizing the Metaprop command. A random effects model was chosen to account for interstudy variance. Results: A total of 13 eligible studies were identified and included in the analyses. Out of all the hospitalized patients with COVID-19, 1,618 underwent advanced cardiac resuscitation after an IHCA. Patients who had a cardiac arrest had a median age between 50-69 years. IHCA occurred predominantly in men, and in the ICU setting. Shockable rhythms were identified in 8% (95% CI 5-10%, I2; 56%) and non-shockable rhythms in 89% (95% CI 85-94% I2; 84%) of patients (Fig. 1a). ROSC was achieved in 40% (95% CI 31-48% I2; 90%) (Fig. 1b). Only 7 % ( 95% CI 3-12% I2; 86%) of patients survived at 30 days/hospital discharge (Fig. 1c). Neurological recovery was seen in 5% (95% CI 3-9% I2; 67%) of patients who suffered a IHCA (Fig. 1d). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis demonstrates the majority of the cardiac arrests in patients with COVID-19 have non-shockable rhythms. Survival rate in these patients is low, and neurological recovery is unfavorable. This study provides further insight in guiding resuscitation efforts in these patients.

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