Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A prospective study.

To study the outcome of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), data on CPR in hospitalized patients were collected prospectively during a one-year study period. Of 43 consecutive patients with AIDS who underwent CPR, 23% were revived in the initial attempt, whereas of 293 patients with other diseases 42% were revived. One (2.3%) of 43 patients with AIDS survived until hospital discharge, and his arrest was iatrogenic, as opposed to 19 (6.5%) of 293 patients with diseases other than AIDS. A respiratory mechanism for the arrest was significantly more common in patients with AIDS. The duration of the unsuccessful attempt did not vary significantly; a higher number of temporary pacemakers was used in patients with diseases other than AIDS indicating a more invasive approach. Survival until hospital discharge is minimal in our series of patients with AIDS, undergoing CPR. We recommend that informative discussions take place early in the course of the disease to provide patients with a better understanding of the available options in case of cardiorespiratory arrest.