Etiological spectrum of in-hospital cardiac arrest and its association with clinical outcomes

In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) remains a critical medical emergency with persistently poor survival and neurological outcomes despite advances in resuscitation. This prospective study analyzed one year emergency department registry data to classify the leading causes of IHCA and their influence on patient outcomes. Cardiac etiologies, primarily myocardial infarction and arrhythmias, accounted for 55% of cases and were associated with higher ROSC and survival compared to non-cardiac causes. Shockable rhythms markedly improved prognosis, while delayed CPR initiation and arrests in general wards predicted poorer outcomes. Thus, we show the importance of rapid recognition, timely resuscitation and targeted post-arrest care to maximize survival and neurological recovery in IHCA.