One-year outcomes in individual domains of the cerebral performance category extended

Background: Physical and cognitive impairments are common after cardiac arrest, and recovery varies. This study assessed recovery of individual domains of the Cerebral Performance Category- Extended (CPC-E) 1-year after cardiac arrest. We hypothesized patients would have recovery in all CPC-E domains 1-year after the index cardiac arrest. Methods: Prospective cohort study of cardiac arrest survivors evaluating outcome measures mRS, CPC, and CPC-E. Outcomes were assessed at discharge, 3-months, 6-months, and 1-year. We defined recovery of a CPC-E domain when >90% of patients had scores of 1-2 in that domain. Results: Of 156 patients discharged, 57 completed the CPC-E at discharge, and were included in the analysis. 37 patients had follow-up at 3-months, and 23 patients had follow-up at 6 and 12 months. Only 16 patients had assessments at all four timepoints. Domains of alertness (N = 56, 98%) logical thinking (N = 56; 98%), and attention (N = 55; 96%) recovered by hospital discharge. BADL (N = 34; 92%) and motor skills (N = 36; 97%) recovered by 3-months. Most patients (N = 20; 87%) experienced slight-to-no disability or symptoms (mRS 0-2/CPC 1-2) at 1-year follow up. CPC-E domains of short term memory (78%), mood (87%), fatigue (22%), complex ADL (78%), and return to work (65%) did not recover by 1-year. Conclusions: CPC-E domains of alertness, logical thinking, and attention recover rapidly, while domains of short term memory, mood, fatigue, complex ADL and return to work remain chronically impaired 1-year after cardiac arrest. These deficits are not detected by mRS and CPC. Interventions to improve recovery in these domains are needed.