Table 5

Covariates associated with presenting rhythm (multivariable model) comparing PEA and asystole with ventricular fibrillation

 Pulseless electrical activity
N=736
Asystole
N=1333
OR†95% CIp ValueOR†95% CIp Value
Demographic characteristics
Age in years1.031.02 to 1.04<0.0011.010.99 to 1.010.09
Male gender0.700.57 to 0.860.0010.640.53 to 0.77<0.001
Race: Whites(ref)(ref)
 Blacks1.541.15 to 2.070.0041.120.84 to 1.490.43
 Asians1.541.07 to 2.220.021.531.10 to 2.130.01
SCA characteristics
Location: Public(ref)(ref)
 Residence2.111.66 to 2.67<0.0013.572.86 to 4.46<0.001
 NH7.294.52 to 11.8<0.0014.412.67 to 7.29<0.001
 Clinic3.211.69 to 6.08<0.0010.750.22 to 2.560.65
Witnessed SCA0.800.66 to 0.980.030.110.10 to 0.14<0.001
Received bystander CPR0.600.49 to 0.72<0.0010.890.75 to 1.050.17
Response time in minutes1.050.99 to 1.100.061.071.03 to 1.120.001
Prior inpatient diagnoses
MI0.820.61 to 1.090.170.800.61 to 1.040.09
HF0.770.59 to 1.010.060.900.70 to 1.130.33
Stroke0.650.46 to 0.930.020.830.61 to 1.120.22
Atrial fibrillation0.720.53 to 0.980.040.620.47 to 0.830.001
Renal failure1.581.01 to 2.470.041.831.23 to 2.740.003
Lung disease1.501.12 to 2.000.0061.351.02 to 1.770.03
  • †OR from multinomial logistic regression, with VF N=2219 as the reference group.

  • CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation; HF, heart failure; MI; myocardial infarction; NH, Nursing Home; PEA, pulseless electrical activity; (ref), reference group; SCA, sudden cardiac arrest; VF, ventricular fibrillation.