Long-term neurological outcomes in patients aged over 90 years who are admitted to the intensive care unit following cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND: The number of cardiac arrests (CA) in the group of very elderly patients (≥ 90 years) is expected to increase markedly due to the world`s rapidly ageing population. However, only little is known about long term outcome, CA- and intensive care unit (ICU) characteristics of patient's ≥ 90 years (nonagenarians) suffering from CA.

METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included all adult patients ≥ 90 years after CA and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) which were treated at our ICU between January 1st 2008 and September 15th 2016. Patients were followed at least 1-Year after ICU discharge for assessment of survival and neurological outcome. Aim of the study was to evaluate CA- and patients characteristics, as well as ICU- and neurological outcome after CA in patient's ≥ 90 years.

RESULTS: 657 patients ≥ 90 years were treated at our ICU during the study period, of these we could identify 48 patients with CA and successful resuscitation. 27 (56%) were female and the median age was 91.7 (90.7 - 92.6) years. 41 (85%) patient suffered from in-hospital CA. Cardiac events leading to CA were observed in 19 (40%) patients. Initial rhythm was shockable (VT/VF) in 12 (25%) patients and time to ROSC was median 4 (1.6 - 9.5) minutes. Patients after CA who survived the ICU stay had significantly lower SAPS II score (44 (36 - 55) vs. 58 (46.5 - 75.5), p < 0.05), lower maximum lactate (2.8 (1.9 - 4.3) mmol/l vs. 6.2 (4 - 9) mmol/l, p < 0.001) and higher pH (7.29 (7.26 - 7.38) vs. 7.23 (7.12 - 7.32), p < 0.05) on admission compared to patients with CA who did not survive the ICU stay. Overall, after CA, 39 (81%) patients needed mechanical ventilation, 44 (92%) received catecholamine support, 17 (35%) received red blood cell transfusion and 4 (8%) received renal replacement therapy. Mechanical ventilation and red blood cell transfusion was significantly more common in ICU non-survivors (both p < 0.05). 19 (46%) patients survived the ICU-stay, of these 86% had favourable neurological outcome (CPC I/II) at ICU discharge. One year survival rate was 23% (n = 11), of these 55% (n = 6) had favorable neurological outcome.

CONCLUSIONS: 46% of successfully resuscitated nonagenarians survived the ICU stay, the majority with favourable neurological outcome at ICU discharge. Resuscitation and post-CA care, in the highly selected group of very elderly patients (≥ 90 years), seems to be justified.