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Cardiac Arrest During Anaesthesia In Enugu Nigeria,1994-96
Abstract
Aim: To determine the incidence and outcome of cardiac arrest during general anaesthesia
at the University of Nigerian Teaching Hospital Enugu, Nigeria.
Patient and Methods: A retrospective study of 6,450 anaesthetic charts from January 1994 to December1996 was undertaken. The cases where cardiac arrest box had been ticked were retrieved and reviewed. Information sought for included patients age and sex, pre- operative physical status of the patient, and wether surgery was emergency or elective. These data were analysed.
Results: Twelve cases of cardiac arrest were recorded giving an overall incidence of 18.6 in 10,000 anaesthetics. Ten patients were successfully resuscitated while 2 died. The incidence of cardiac arrest was significantly higher in patients with American society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade 3 or poorer, and in patients for emergency surgery.
Conclusion: The study showed that poor patient selection and the timing of surgery are significant factors in cardiac arrest during anaesthesia. Anaesthetists are, therefore, advised on proper pre-operative evaluation and preparation of patients.
Key words: Anaesthesia- Cardiac arrest - UNTH, Enugu.
[Jnl of College of Medicine Vol.7(1) 2002: 16-17]
at the University of Nigerian Teaching Hospital Enugu, Nigeria.
Patient and Methods: A retrospective study of 6,450 anaesthetic charts from January 1994 to December1996 was undertaken. The cases where cardiac arrest box had been ticked were retrieved and reviewed. Information sought for included patients age and sex, pre- operative physical status of the patient, and wether surgery was emergency or elective. These data were analysed.
Results: Twelve cases of cardiac arrest were recorded giving an overall incidence of 18.6 in 10,000 anaesthetics. Ten patients were successfully resuscitated while 2 died. The incidence of cardiac arrest was significantly higher in patients with American society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade 3 or poorer, and in patients for emergency surgery.
Conclusion: The study showed that poor patient selection and the timing of surgery are significant factors in cardiac arrest during anaesthesia. Anaesthetists are, therefore, advised on proper pre-operative evaluation and preparation of patients.
Key words: Anaesthesia- Cardiac arrest - UNTH, Enugu.
[Jnl of College of Medicine Vol.7(1) 2002: 16-17]
