LAUSR

The serial electrocardiographic changes in patients following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) are unclear. To evaluate serial electrocardiographic changes and to predict all-cause mortality in patients following OHCA. We retrospectively studied 101 OHCA patients (70±16 years, 49 male) who achieved a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survived for ≥3hours. Twelve-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) were evaluated twice in each patient: initial-ECG, after achieving ROSC; and 2nd-ECG, after receiving the initial evaluation in the emergency room. Patients were divided into two groups: S-group, those surviving for 28 days, and D-group, those dying within 28 days. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to predict the 28-day survival following OHCA. A Kaplan-Meier curve analysis for the 28 day mortality stratified by the QRS morphology and rhythm of initial-ECG was performed. Among variables of initial-ECG, there were significant differences between the group-S and group-D (table). Multivariate analysis with a step-wise regression demonstrated that age, lactate, and QRS duration of the initial-ECG were significant predictors of all-cause mortality (Odds ratio (OR): 1.04, 1.21, 1.02, p: 0.002, 0.001, 0.001, respectively). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that a complete right bundle branch block (CRBBB) of initial-ECG and presence of atrial fibrillation were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (Picture). Serial change of ECG variables Initial-ECG 2nd-ECG Group S Group D p Group S Group D p Heart Rate [/min] 109±23 105±31 0.527 88±21 94±23 0.341 Af [N,%] 10 (25%) 27 (52%) 0.018* 3 (9%) 6 (26%) 0.134 QRS duration [ms] 111±18 139±33 0.001* 107±29 111±30 0.623 Morphology 0.001* 0.284 – Normal [N,%] 30 (75%) 10 (19%) 29 (81%) 14 (61%) – CRBBB [N,%] 5 (13%) 30 (57%) 5 (14%) 5 (22%) – CLBBB [N,%] 1 (2%) 0 0 1 (4%) – IVCD [N,%] 4 (10%) 13 (24%) 2 (6%) 3 (13%) Comparing variables between group S and group D stratified by initial ECG and delayed ECG. QRS morphology were examined, normal, complete right bundle branch block (CRBBB), complete left bundle branch block (CLBBB), and unspecific interventricular conduction delay (IVCD). Study flow diagram, KM curve analysis The QRS duration and morphology upon resuscitation were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality following OHCA.