Life years saved, standardised mortality rates and causes of death after hospital discharge in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors

Abstract

Aim of the study: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) accounts for many unexpected deaths in Europe and the survival rates in different regions vary considerably. We have previously reported excellent survival to discharge rates in the Stavanger region. We now describe the long-term outcome of OHCA victims in our region.

Methods: In this retrospective observational study, we followed all OHCA hospital discharge survivors between 01.07.2002 and 30.06.2011 (n=213) for a minimum of 1 year and up to 10 years. Based on the national death statistics stratified for gender and age, we could calculate the potential life years saved, standardised mortality rates (SMR) and delineate the causes of death after hospital discharge.

Results: Of the 213 patients who were discharged from the hospital, 91% had a cardiac origin of their OHCA. The mean potential life years saved per patient was 22.8 years. The observed five-year survival rate was 76%. The overall SMR in our study cohort was 2.3 when compared to the age- and gender-matched population. Cardiac disease was a prominent cause of late deaths, with the specific SMR for cardiac disease-related deaths being as high as 42 in males and 140 in females.

Conclusion: Resuscitation of OHCA victims lead to a significant long-term benefit with respect to life years saved. Cardiac disease was the main cause of death after hospital discharge. More studies are needed to identify the potential of therapeutic interventions and rehabilitation efforts that may further enhance the long-term outcomes in OHCA hospital discharge survivors.

Keywords: Causes of death after hospital discharge; EMS; Long term survivors; Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest; Resuscitation; Standardised mortality rates.