Summary
Analysis of factors associated with survival 24 hours after cardiac arrest in a hospital in Colombia
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DOI
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Mendivil-De la Ossa JA, Garcés-Montoya J, González-Correa JM, Pulgarín-Grajales GA, Herrera-Saldarriaga N, Muñoz-Vélez AF. Analysis of factors associated with survival 24 hours after cardiac arrest in a hospital in Colombia. Rev Esp Urg Emerg. 2026;5:87–91
Summary
INTRODUCTION. In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) continues to carry high mortality despite advances in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques and post-arrest care. The reported incidence rate is approximately 9–10 cases per 1,000 hospitalizations, with hospital discharge survival rates close to 25 %. In Latin America, survival rates remain below 20 %. This study aimed to describe clinical characteristics and resuscitation management in hospitalized adults and identify factors associated with 24-hour survival.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. We conducted an observational, analytical, cross-sectional, retrospective study between 2020 and 2025. A total of 195 patients aged > 18 years with IHCA were included. Pregnant patients, those with do-not-resuscitate orders, and those receiving end-of-life care were excluded. Associations between clinical variables and 24-hour mortality were evaluated using bivariate analyses and Poisson regression to estimate adjusted risk ratios.
RESULTS. The 24-hour mortality was 71 %. Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was independently associated with lower early mortality and was the only significant predictor in the multivariate analysis. In bivariate analysis, other factors associated with greater survival included CPR duration < 10 minutes, an initial shockable rhythm (ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia), and the use of defibrillation. Most events occurred in the intensive care unit (44 %), followed by the emergency department (28 %) and general wards (16 %).
CONCLUSIONS. ROSC was the main independent predictor of early survival. Strengthening strategies such as early recognition of clinical deterioration, timely activation of the code blue response, and standardized CPR protocols may improve survival following IHCA.