Retrospective study of the survival of patients who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an intensive care unit.

Objective: To evaluate clinical and evolutive characteristics of patients admitted in an intensive care unit after cardiopulmonary resuscitation, identifying prognostic survival factors.

Methods: A retrospective study of 136 patients admitted between 1995 and 1999 to an intensive care unit, evaluating clinical conditions, mechanisms and causes of cardiopulmonary arrest, and their relation to hospital mortality.

Results: A 76% mortality rate independent of age and sex was observed.