Cardiac Arrest Mortality Rates Have Declined Since the Introduction of Therapeutic Hypothermia (P06.261)

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the trend in mortality rate of hospitalized patients with cardiac arrest in the general United States (U.S.) population. Background Anoxic-ischemic brain injury is an important cause of mortality in patients resuscitated after a cardiac arrest. Since the publication of two pivotal studies in 2002 showing decreased morbidity and mortality with the use of therapeutic hypothermia in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, hypothermia has been increasingly implemented in U.S. hospitals. Population based mortality rates of cardiac arrest have not been assessed over this time period. Design/Methods: We used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to evaluate mortality rate of patients hospitalized with cardiac arrest in the U.S. from 2001 to 2009. Patients were identified by the ICD code 427.5 for cardiac arrest. To obtain national estimates, proper weights were applied as indicated. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of mortality. Results: A total of 1,190,860 hospitalized patients had a diagnosis of cardiac arrest from 2001-2009. Mortality rate declined over the years as follows: 69.6% in 2001, 68.6% in 2002, 68.1% in 2003 and 2004, 66.8% in 2005, 65.4% in 2006, 63.4% in 2007, 59.2% in 2008, and 57.8% in 2009. For patients Conclusions: In-hospital mortality rates are declining in patients hospitalized with cardiac arrest in the U.S. from 2001-2009. This decline coincides with the introduction of therapeutic hypothermia, the only proven neuroprotective treatment currently available. Disclosure: Dr. Fugate has nothing to disclose. Dr. Brinjikji has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cloft has received personal compensation for activities with Medtronic, Inc., as a consultant. Dr. Cloft has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for American Journal of Neuroradiology. Dr. Rabinstein has received personal compensation for activities with Elsevier as a section editor.Dr. Rabinstein has received research support from Cardionet.