Determinants of quality of life in survivors of cardiac arrest

V.R.M.P. Moulaert, E.M. Wachelder, J.A. Verbunt, D.T. Wade, C.M. van Heugten*

*Corresponding author for this work

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Abstract

Objective: To study factors related to quality of life after a hypoxic period due to cardiac arrest. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Subjects: Eighty-eight survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, admitted to a Dutch academic hospital between 2001 and 2006.

Methods: Patients received a set of questionnaires at home. The main outcome measures were physical and mental quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey; SF-36). Potential determinants were cognitive complaints, emotional problems (depression/anxiety), post-traumatic stress, fatigue, daily functioning and participation in society. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed with physical and mental quality of life as dependent variables.

Results: Sixty-three (72%) patients responded. Mean time since cardiac arrest was 36 months (standard deviation (SD) 19). Backward regression analyses showed that physical quality of life was significantly (p

Conclusion: Quality of life is related to cognitive complaints, fatigue, anxiety/depression, post-traumatic stress and difficulties in daily activities in survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Rehabilitation programmes for this group should specifically address these topics.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)553-558
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume42
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2010

Keywords

  • heart arrest
  • quality of life
  • cognition disorders
  • hypoxia-ischaemia brain
  • POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER
  • TRAUMATIC BRAIN-INJURY
  • LONG-TERM
  • CARDIOPULMONARY-RESUSCITATION
  • COMMUNITY INTEGRATION
  • EARLY DEFIBRILLATION
  • EVENT SCALE
  • VALIDATION
  • FATIGUE
  • IMPACT

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