Functional outcomes and quality of life of young adults who survive out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

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2013

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Deasy, C.
Bray, J.
Smith, K.
Harriss, L.R.
Bernard, S.
Cameron, P.

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Emergency Medicine Journal, 2013; 30(7):532-537

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Background Evaluating the quality of life of young adult survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is important as they are likely to have a longer life expectancy than older patients. The aim of this study was to assess their functional and quality of life outcomes. Conclusions The majority of survivors have good functional and quality of life outcomes. Telephone follow-up is feasible in the young adult survivors of cardiac arrest; loss to follow-up is common. Methodology The Victorian Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Registry records were used to identify survivors of OHCA that occurred between 2003 and 2008 in the 18-39 year old age group. Survivors were administered a telephone questionnaire using Short Form (SF-12), EQ-5D and Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended. Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) ascertained at hospital discharge from the medical record was recorded for the uncontactable survivors Results Of the 106 young adult survivors, five died in the cerebral disability. The median follow-up time was5 years (range 2.7- 8.6 years) for the 56 (53%)patients included. Of these, 84% were living at home independently, 68% had returned to work, and only11% reported marked or severe disability. The majority of patients had no problems with mobility (75%),personal care (75%), usual activities (66%) or pain/discomfort (71%). However, 61% of respondents reported either moderate (48%) or severe (13%)anxiety.

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Copyright 2013 BMJ Group

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