Abstract | AIM OF THE STUDY: METHODS: We analysed the autopsy records, CT scans or chest radiographs of 170 adult patients, suffering in-hospital cardiac arrest at the Tampere University Hospital during the period 2009-2011 to investigate possible association of chest compressions and iatrogenic injuries. The quality of manual compressions during CPR was recorded on a Philips, HeartStart MRx Q-CPR™- defibrillator. RESULTS: Patients were 110 males and 60 females. Injuries were found in 36% of male and 23% of female patients. Among male patients CPR-related injuries were associated with deeper mean - and peak compression depths (p<0.05). No such association was observed in women. The frequency of injuries in mean compression depth categories <5, 5-6 and >6 cm, was 28%, 27% and 49% (p=0.06). Of all patients 27% sustained rib fractures, 11% sternal fracture and eight patients had haematomas/ ruptures in the myocardium. In addition, we observed one laceration of the stomach without bleeding, one ruptured spleen, one mediastinal haemorrhage and two pneumothoraxes. CONCLUSION: The number of iatrogenic injuries in male patients was associated with chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation increased as the measured compression depth exceeded 6 cm. While there is an increased risk of complications with deeper compressions it is important to realize that the injuries were by and large not fatal.
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Authors | Heidi Hellevuo, Marko Sainio, Riikka Nevalainen, Heini Huhtala, Klaus T Olkkola, Jyrki Tenhunen, Sanna Hoppu |
Journal | Resuscitation
(Resuscitation)
Vol. 84
Issue 6
Pg. 760-5
(Jun 2013)
ISSN: 1873-1570 [Electronic] Ireland |
PMID | 23474390
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. |
Topics |
- Abdominal Injuries
(epidemiology, etiology)
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
(adverse effects)
- Female
- Finland
- Heart Arrest
(therapy)
- Heart Massage
(adverse effects)
- Humans
- Incidence
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Pressure
- Thoracic Injuries
(epidemiology, etiology)
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