Neurological rehabilitation of severely disabled cardiac arrest survivors. Part II. Life situation of patients and families after treatment

摘要: Background: About half of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors experience secondary anoxic brain damage. Neurological outcome can be influenced by rehabilitative treatment approaches, but the nature and severity persistent disabilities remain unclear. The aim study was to explore neuropsychiatric symptoms, global function life situation these patients, evaluate quality in families. Methods: 25 months after inpatient rehabilitation, 12 individuals (mean age=51 years; ten M: two F) attended a cross-sectional interdisciplinary follow-up assessment with their carers. Function investigated clinical rating scales, neuropsychological standard tests, psychological inventories. Family members were asked about satisfaction social support. Results: All patients had deficits at least one or more cognitive areas such as orientation, memory, alertness, awareness. Three different syndromes observed: very severe intellectual physical impairment, (two), mild moderate dementia, (five), amnesic syndrome, (five). Prevalence multiple disabilities, high. A striking discrepancy found between self proxy (P<0.01). faced dramatically altered situations CA; 60% spouses suffered from psychosomatic problems, 50% complained lack Conclusion: Despite optimal in-hospital treatment, damage resulted permanent decline, impaired awareness care ability. Families felt isolated, than need support prevent burn out.