Is there a difference between women and men in characteristics and outcome after in hospital cardiac arrest?
Introduction
During recent years, there has been an increased interest in the characteristics and outcome among patients suffering from in-hospital cardiac arrest [1], [2], [3]. Our earlier work has shown a relatively high chance of survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest [4].
A large proportion of in-hospital cardiac arrests are caused by an ischaemic event. Many earlier studies have highlighted the differences between men and women in terms of characteristics and outcome, when suffering from an ischaemic event [5], [6], [7], [8], [9]. This study compares men and women in terms of characteristics and outcome, when suffering from an in-hospital cardiac arrest. The hypothesis was that they differed in terms of age, earlier history, initial arrhythmia and rate of survival.
Section snippets
Patients and methods
Between November 1, 1994 and December 31, 1998, all patients suffering from a suspected cardiac arrest where the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) team was called, were evaluated prospectively. Patients in whom the suspected arrest occurred either prior to hospital admission or in the emergency room were excluded. For each case, one case record form was filled in by the cardiologist in the CPR team and one by a nurse on the ward, where the arrest took place. Further clinical data were
Results
In all, there were 557 patients suffering in-hospital cardiac arrest for whom the CPR-team was alerted during the time of the survey. Among them, 217 (39%) were women compared with men, in terms of characteristics and outcome.
Discussion
A number of studies have reported sex differences in the frequency, management and natural history of coronary artery diseases. The overall incidence of sudden cardiac death is lower in women [13], as is the proportion of deaths associated with coronary artery disease which occur as sudden cardiac death [13]. Women who present with acute myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death are also less likely to have pre-existing coronary artery disease.
Women suffering cardiac arrest
Conclusion
Among patients suffering in-hospital cardiac arrest, for whom the CPR-team was called, 39% were women. They differed from men by being less frequently found in VF/VT and more frequently found in PEA. When correcting for dissimilarities at baseline, female sex was associated with a higher chance of survival.
Acknowledgements
This study was supported by grants from The Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation and The Laerdal Foundation, Norway.
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