Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital report that roughly one in three patients living with frailty survive CPR when it occurs in the setting of surgery. The findings appeared in JAMA Network Open.
The study examined data from more than 3,149 individuals aged 50 or older who received cardiopulmonary resuscitation for cardiac arrest on the day of non-emergency surgery. This real-world evidence sheds light on how frailty intersects with resuscitation outcomes in operative contexts (Source: JAMA Network Open).
Among the 792 participants identified as frail, 67%—that is 534 patients—died within 30 days of CPR. In practical terms, about one in three elderly patients with frailty may survive CPR in the perioperative period, though survival remains contingent on multiple factors (Source: JAMA Network Open).
Senile asthenia describes a cluster of age-related changes that can lower quality of life and raise the risk of death. It often involves rapid weight loss, diminished physical activity and strength, general fatigue, and mental health concerns such as depression or anxiety. This constellation underscores the importance of careful perioperative planning for older adults with frailty and related vulnerabilities (Source: JAMA Network Open).
Within the subset of 214 asthenia patients who were living at home before hospitalization, 59% (127 individuals) transitioned to other hospitals, nursing facilities, or rehabilitation centers after discharge. These trajectories highlight the ongoing needs many older adults face after surgical events and CPR (Source: JAMA Network Open).
Across typical hospital settings, CPR rescues roughly one-quarter of cardiac arrest patients. When CPR is administered during or immediately after surgery and patients are closely monitored by clinicians who understand their medical history, the chances of survival increase to about one-half (Source: JAMA Network Open).
Despite these general patterns, questions remain about survival for frail elderly patients who face higher risks of injury and complications from resuscitation. The evidence does not render CPR obsolete for weakened patients facing surgery, but it does underscore the importance of informed conversations about resuscitation preferences before procedures (Source: JAMA Network Open).
Ultimately, the findings emphasize that decisions about CPR in the context of surgery should involve careful discussion among patients, families, and clinicians. Early planning helps patients align medical actions with personal goals and values, even when frailty is part of the clinical picture (Source: JAMA Network Open).
In summary, while frailty lowers certain survival odds after CPR in the perioperative setting, meaningful numbers exist for those who are undergoing surgery and resuscitation is anticipated. A patient-centered approach—rooted in clear information, timely risk assessment, and multidisciplinary care—remains essential for optimizing outcomes in this growing patient population (Source: JAMA Network Open).
Note: The above synthesis reflects recent observations from major clinical cohorts and is intended to inform discussions among patients, caregivers, and healthcare teams about resuscitation decisions in the surgical setting (Source: JAMA Network Open).