Authors: Nouf Ababtain , Roaa Amer , Nawaf Alomary , Bakr Alharbii , Abeer A. Alomairi , Fatima Alanazi

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the characteristics and outcomes of adult traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) patients treated at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a center notably impacted by traumatic injuries. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort chart review study designed to analyze the characteristics and outcomes of adult traumatic cardiac arrest in a level 1 trauma center, including all patients aged above 14 years, who were involved in in-hospital traumatic cardiac arrest between 2017 and 2023. Results: A total of 92 patients were included in the study, with a majority being males (96.7%). The average age was 30.74 years, with 58.2% under 30 years. Further, 52.2% of the patients were Saudi nationals. And 82.4% of patients had a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 3 upon arrival. In 81.5% of cases, the initial rhythm observed was pulseless electrical activity (PEA). Returning of spontaneous circulation was noted in 67.8% of cases. Conclusion: This study underscores the incidence and outcomes of TCA in Saudi Arabia, identifying male gender and motor vehicle accidents as key risk factors. The majority of cases involved individuals under 30 years of age, with the best survival rates seen in those aged 30 to 50 years. The study noted a 58% rate of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in the emergency department, contrasting with a low 5% 30-day survival rate. Further research is essential to clarify the factors affecting survival in TCA cases.

Keywords: Trauma, Traumatic Cardiac Arrest, Resuscitation, Penetrating Trauma, Blunt Trauma.