Background & Aims: International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation developed and published the Utstein style guidelines for reviewing, reporting, and conducting research on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). We used this style to evaluate the effectiveness of in-hospital CPR for comparison.

 Materials & Methods: We prospectively analyzed the data on all cardiac arrest calls in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Urmia, Iran. Data were collected using the Utstein style.

 Results: There were 74 CPRs. The patients’ mean age was 54.68 years. In about 70% the initial rhythm was systole/pulseless electrical activity (PEA) and in 27% ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia (VF/VT). The first shock was delivered within 3.60 ± 2.75 minutes and the mean time from arrest to intubation was 12 ± 8.53 minutes. Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in 28 (37.8%) cases. Survival to discharge was achieved in 13.5%. CPR success rate was 60%and 25% in patients with an initial rhythm VF/VT and systole/PEA, respectively (p=0.006). CPR was successful in about 48% in those with beginning of CPR within less than 3 minutes and15% in those with delay more than 3 minutes (p= 0.006). CPR success rate was 42% and 35% in patients with age<55 and more than 55 years old prospectively (p value= 0.296)

 Conclusions: To our knowledge this is the first report of CPR wit Utstein style in Iran. It is more likely for our patients to survive if the initial rhythm is VF/VT or beginning CPR earlier. Survival rate was less than similar studies.  

  Source: Urmia Med J 2011: 22(4): 383 ISSN: 1027-3727