Characteristics, Associated Factors, and Outcomes of Cardiac Arrest in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Background and Objectives: In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) in critically ill patients with COVID-19 is among the most severe clinical outcomes, associated with high mortality and a significant risk to healthcare workers during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, characteristics, associated factors, and outcomes of IHCA among COVID-19 patients treated in the intensive care unit (ICU), with particular emphasis on resuscitation outcomes and survival. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including critically ill patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection treated in the ICU of the Clinical-Hospital Center (KBC) in Kosovska Mitrovica between March 2020 and December 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups: (1) CA group—patients who experienced CA in the ICU, and (2) non-CA group—patients who did not experience CA during ICU treatment. Results: A total of 222 patients were analyzed, of whom 114 (51.4%) experienced IHCA. Patients with IHCA were significantly older, more frequently obese, and had a higher burden of comorbidities. They also exhibited more pronounced hematological and inflammatory abnormalities, including lower erythrocyte and hemoglobin levels, thrombocytopenia, and elevated leukocyte counts, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin levels. In addition, higher lactate and D-dimer concentrations were observed, along with a more frequent occurrence of hyperkalemia and hypernatremia. The predominant cause of IHCA was respiratory failure, most commonly associated with severe hypoxemia (59.6%), while non-shockable initial rhythms (asystole and pulseless electrical activity (PEA)) were most common (76.3%). Among patients with IHCA, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was achieved in 11 patients (9.6%), and 3 patients (2.6%) survived to hospital discharge. Conclusions: Despite rapid response and CPR in the ICU setting, outcomes remained poor. More favorable outcomes were observed mainly in cases with potentially reversible etiologies (such as myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism (PE)), in contrast to hypoxia-mediated CA.