Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes in Japan.
Scientific Reports · 2024-05-16 · Registry study
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes in Japan, aiming to address a critical research gap. Analyzing data from the All-Japan Utstein registry covering pediatric OHCA cases from 2018 to 2021, the study observed no significant changes in one-month survival, neurological outcomes, or overall performance when comparing the pre-pandemic (2018-2019) and pandemic (2020-2021) periods among 6765 cases. However, a notable reduction in pre-hospital return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) during the pandemic (15.1-13.1%, p = .020) was identified. Bystander-initiated chest compressions and rescue breaths declined (71.1-65.8%, 22.3-13.0%, respectively; both p < .001), while bystander-initiated automated external defibrillator (AED) use increased (3.7-4.9%, p = .029). Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with reduced pre-hospital ROSC during the pandemic. Post-pandemic, there was no noticeable change in the one-month survival rate. The lack of significant change in survival may be attributed to the negative effects of reduced chest compressions and ventilation being offset by the positive impact of widespread AED availability in Japan. These findings underscore the importance of innovative tools and systems for safe bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation during a pandemic, providing insights to optimize pediatric OHCA care.
Abstract © the authors or publisher, via PubMed. Reuse and removal
Tags
Automated external defibrillator · Bystanders · Children · COVID-19 pandemic · Mortality & survival · Quality of life & function
Related articles
- Sociodemographic factors associated with paediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A systematic review. (Resuscitation, 2023)
- The Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. (Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2023)
- Comparison of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests during the COVID-19 pandemic with those before the pandemic: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. (Front Public Health, 2023)
- Epidemiology and Outcome of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests during the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses. (Yonsei Med J, 2022)
- Compression only CPR and mortality in pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest during COVID-19 pandemic. (Resuscitation, 2025)
- Characteristics and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest among students under school supervision in Japan: a descriptive epidemiological study (2008-2021). (Environ Health Prev Med, 2025)