Quality of life of long-term survivors after out-of-hospital resuscitation

Background: After having survived cardiac arrest, the quality of life, life satisfaction, and professional reintegration are particularly important in the long-term course after out-of-hospital resuscitation for those affected. The study examined various criteria in long-term survival of more than 360 days after out-of-hospital resuscitation in an urban rescue service system. Methods: The patient collective consisted of survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) 1 year after hospital discharge from 2020-2022 in D & uuml;sseldorf, Germany. The survivors were interviewed 12-18 months after hospital discharge using a multidimensional questionnaire on their general state of health, living situation, neurological status (CPC = Cerebral Performance Category Score), subjective perception of quality of life/life satisfaction and work situation. Result: The questionnaire was sent to 149 patients, of whom 103 responded (response rate: 69%, male: 83%, age: 61 +/- 13 years). Of the respondents, 91% rated themselves as having a good neurological treatment outcome (CPC 1-2). Mild to severe anxiety/depression was experienced by 48% and pain symptoms by 44%. More often to significantly more often than before the OHCA, 74% had fatigue and 59% suffered from mild to severe concentration disorders. Furthermore, 41% felt that their own quality of life was the same or better than before the event and 61% rated their own life satisfaction as very good to good. 73% of patients returned to work within 1 year. Conclusion: Long-term survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest shows an overall high CPC rating, but only half of the patients rated their own quality of life/life satisfaction as positive. The high rate of cognitive and psychological problems and the associated restrictions in daily life lead to reduced quality of life/life satisfaction despite a high CPC rating. Regular patient evaluations and alternative scores can help to identify health problems in order to offer patient-adapted therapy options for comprehensive rehabilitation.