News Release

Hospitalized children more likely to die after cardiac arrest during night shift

RESS Abstract 11975/11 (Omni Dallas Hotel, Trinity Ballroom)

Peer-Reviewed Publication

American Heart Association

Hospitalized children are more likely to die after a cardiac arrest if it occurs during the night shift, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2013.

Adults who suffer a cardiac arrest while hospitalized are already known to fare worse if resuscitation is needed during the night shift.

This AHA Get With The Guidelines-Resuscitation Registry study is the first documentation of a similar effect in children.

Of 10,541 consecutive cardiac arrests in patients under age 18 in 2000-10, the researchers found:

  • Thirty-four percent of children survived to hospital discharge after cardiac arrest during the night shift (11 p.m.-6:59 a.m.).

  • Thirty-eight percent of children survived after cardiac arrest on day or evening shifts.

  • Survival following nightshift cardiac arrest was 13 percent lower after accounting for differences in patient and hospital characteristics.

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Note: Actual presentation is 10 a.m. CT/ 11 a.m. ET Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013.

Resources:

Cardiac Arrest Statistics
2010 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science
Chain of Survival
History of CPR

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