Causes of in-hospital cardiopulmonary arrests and mortality during the follow-up of elderly patients in the emergency department: a retrospective study

Aim: This study aimed to identify the factors affecting the development of cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA), the probability of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and survival rates in elderly patients admitted to the emergency department. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 500 patients aged 65 years and older who presented with CPA at Esenyurt Necmi Kadıoğlu State Hospital's emergency department between September 1, 2022, and August 31, 2024. Data were collected from the hospital's electronic medical records, including demographic information, comorbidities, clinical characteristics, resuscitation procedures, and survival rates. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: The mean age of the patients was 79.67 ± 8.99 years, with hypertension (52.6%), COPD (40.2%), and cardiovascular diseases (35.4%) being the most common comorbidities. Patients who achieved ROSC had earlier initiation of resuscitation, and oxygen support along with mechanical ventilation significantly improved ROSC rates (p < 0.05). The 24-hour survival rate was 65% ± 10, the 30-day survival rate was 45% ± 10, and the in-hospital mortality rate was calculated as 55% ± 10. Conclusion: Effective management of comorbidities and timely interventions are essential for reducing CPA risk and improving survival rates in elderly patients. Early and efficient resuscitation strategies significantly improve survival outcomes. Further studies with larger cohorts are recommended to optimize clinical management protocols.