Bunch et al. conducted a population-based analysis of the long-term outcome and quality –of life of survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest from ventricular fibrillation.
Methods: All patients who had an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and received early defibrillation were included.
Results: Cardiac arrest occurred in 330 patients, VF in 200 (61%), pulseless electrical activity in 58 (18%), and asystole in 72 (22%). Of the 200 VF patients 145 survived to admission, 61 died in hospital, and 84 (42%) were discharged from the hospital – 79 neurologically intact and 5 neurologically impaired.Among patients who were considered candidates for antiarrhythmic therapy 10 patients received amiodarone alone and 35 (50%) of all neurologically intact survivors received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Of the 79 survivors 19 died after hospital discharge. Of 60 patients at five-year follow up 45 were able to return to work and 50 completed the health questionnaire.
Conclusions: Of 330 cardiac arrest victims only 50 patients (15%) were alive and well 5 years later, with 70% having an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.