Factors Analysis of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Outcomes in the Elderly in Taiwan

• Main Authors: Wen-Han Chang, Chien-Hsuan Huang, Ding-Kuo Chien, Yu-Jang Su, Po-Chen Lin, Cheng-Ho Tsai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taiwan Society of Geriatric Emergency and Critical Medicine (TSGECM) 2009-03-01
• Series: International Journal of Gerontology
• Subjects: cardiopulmonary resuscitation; elderly patients; ethics; medical futility; survival to discharge
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187395980970016X

Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can save countless lives, but its use is rather controversial in elderly patients. Some researchers believe that there is an inverse ratio between the success of CPR and the age of the patient, while others believe that the uniqueness of each case and existing comorbidities are more important factors. CPR can result in severe injury for patients. Therefore, physicians often face a dilemma between rational and moral decisions when dealing with older patients suffering from cardiac arrest. The solution to this problem rests on the determination of whether CPR will benefit the patient. This analysis, supported by a literature review and a review of the outcomes of CPR, considered different factors in elderly patients, including age, sex, prehospital emergency medical service, preexisting disease, witnessed cardiac arrest, initial arrest electrocardiogram rhythm, CPR locations, and ethics. Quality of life and the cost of medical care for the elderly affect the benefit analysis of CPR. Indeed, a large amount of money is spent on elderly CPR patients who remain in critical condition before finally dying in the hospital. Factors contributing to decisions to resuscitate also include post-resuscitation quality of life, and the will of patients, families and doctors. In short, patient age is not a barrier to performing CPR. However, to achieve the best outcome of CPR, one must consider the disease diagnosis of elderly patients as a useful reference to help improve medical care for this group.