CONFUSION SURROUNDING THE TREATMENT OF TRAUMATIC CARDIAC-ARREST

BACKGROUND: To delineate the most reasonable approach to patients with traumatic cardiac arrest we studied the experience at our level 1 tra uma center. STUDY DESIGN: Patients with life-threatening trauma admitt ed during a 41-month period were screened to identify 245 patients who suffered cardiac arrest. Mechanisms of injury, location of arrest, le ngth of arrest, transport methods, treatment rendered, neurologic stat e, outcomes, and cost of treatment were determined. RESULTS: Six (2.4 percent) patients survived. Mechanism of injury, location of arrest, a nd age did not correlate with survival. Arrest time longer than ten mi nutes and loss of neurologic function were associated with mortality. Cost of care was not excessive. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with traumatic c ardiac arrest with intact neurologic function should receive treatment . Resuscitation should not be attempted in patients who also have seve re brain injury or prolonged time of cardiac arrest.