Ewa Wallin1, Ing-Marie Larsson2, Sten Rubertsson2, Marja-Leena Kristofferzon3. 1. Department of Surgical Sciences-Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care, Uppsala University, SE- 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden. Electronic address: ewa.wallin@surgsci.uu.se. 2. Department of Surgical Sciences-Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care, Uppsala University, SE- 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden. 3. Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, Department of Health and Caring Sciences, University of Gävle, Sweden; Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden.
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY: To describe differences over time in outcome, physical and cognitive function among survivors of cardiac arrest treated with hypothermia and to examine survivors' life satisfaction 6 months after cardiac arrest as well as gender differences. METHODS: The study was prospective and included 45 cardiac arrest survivors admitted to three Swedish hospitals between 2008 and 2012. Participants were followed from intensive care unit discharge to one and six months after cardiac arrest. In addition to cerebral performance category (CPC), participants were asked to complete questionnaires regarding activities in daily life (Barthel index), cognitive function (mini mental state examination), and life satisfaction (LiSat-11). RESULTS: Outcome measured using CPC scores improved over time. At 6 months, all participants were classified as having a good outcome. At one month, participants were impaired but improved over time in their activities in daily life and cognitive function. At 6 months satisfaction with "life as a whole" was seen in 70%. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac arrest survivors are satisfied with life as a whole despite a severe illness that has impaired their physical and cognitive function, which seemed to improve over time. Predicting patients' functional outcome in early stages is difficult, and the CPC score alone is not sufficient to assess patients' function. It is a need to reach a consensus to which instruments best reflect physical and cognitive function as well as to specify a rehabilitation plan.
AIM OF THE STUDY: To describe differences over time in outcome, physical and cognitive function among survivors of cardiac arrest treated with hypothermia and to examine survivors' life satisfaction 6 months after cardiac arrest as well as gender differences. METHODS: The study was prospective and included 45 cardiac arrest survivors admitted to three Swedish hospitals between 2008 and 2012. Participants were followed from intensive care unit discharge to one and six months after cardiac arrest. In addition to cerebral performance category (CPC), participants were asked to complete questionnaires regarding activities in daily life (Barthel index), cognitive function (mini mental state examination), and life satisfaction (LiSat-11). RESULTS: Outcome measured using CPC scores improved over time. At 6 months, all participants were classified as having a good outcome. At one month, participants were impaired but improved over time in their activities in daily life and cognitive function. At 6 months satisfaction with "life as a whole" was seen in 70%. CONCLUSIONS:Cardiac arrest survivors are satisfied with life as a whole despite a severe illness that has impaired their physical and cognitive function, which seemed to improve over time. Predicting patients' functional outcome in early stages is difficult, and the CPC score alone is not sufficient to assess patients' function. It is a need to reach a consensus to which instruments best reflect physical and cognitive function as well as to specify a rehabilitation plan.
Authors: Magdalena Jaszke-Psonka; Magdalena Piegza; Piotr Ścisło; Robert Pudlo; Jacek Piegza; Karina Badura-Brzoza; Aleksandra Leksowska; Robert T Hese; Piotr W Gorczyca Journal: Kardiochir Torakochirurgia Pol Date: 2016-12-30