Abstract 458: Pause Duration During Manual CPR is Associated With Survival and Favorable Neurological Outcome in All-Rhythm OHCA

Abstract

Introduction: AHA guidelines emphasize the importance of limiting pauses during CPR to less than 10 seconds due to the association of interruptions in chest compressions (CC) with adverse outcomes. Previous literature has associated shorter peri-shock pause times with greater odds of survival and longest pause in CC with lower odds of survival, though these analyses were restricted to patients with initial shockable rhythm. The aim of this analysis is to investigate the association between CC pause duration and patient outcomes in all-rhythm OHCA. Methods: OHCA cases from three EMS Agencies in Arizona between Jan 2016-Dec 2016 (n=229) were analyzed. De-identified prehospital patient data were linked to outcome data as part of the state quality program. Pauses calculated from CPR pad accelerometer data were defined by a minimum duration of 1000 ms. Mean pause duration was calculated by case as the average of all pauses, while longest pause duration was defined as the single longest pause in CC. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression was performed in STATA 15.1. Primary outcome measures defined were ROSC, survival-to-discharge, and favorable neurological outcome (Cerebral Performance Category 1 or 2). Covariates included in the statistical model include time in CPR, age, witnessed arrest, initial shockable rhythm, bystander CPR, and CPR quality. Results: A total of 37.1% of patients (n=85) achieved prehospital ROSC, 12.7% (n=29) survived, and 10.5% (n=24) had favorable neurological outcome. Average mean and longest pause duration was 8.13 + 0.76 s and 24.93 + 2.84 in survivors with favorable neurological outcome compared to 9.21 + 0.47 s and 35.56 + 3.55 s in non-survivors. Mean pause duration was associated with survival (adjusted OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80-0.99) and favorable neurological outcome (adjusted OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72-0.97). Longest pause duration was associated with favorable neurological outcome (adjusted OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94-1.00). Conclusions: Prolonged pauses in CC during prehospital resuscitation was associated with worse survival and neurological function in OHCA patients with all cardiac rhythms. Pause duration should be kept as brief as possible due to the impact upon outcomes regardless of presenting cardiac rhythm.