RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To examine gender-related differences in the management and survival of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in Spain during 2 time series. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of data recorded in the prospective Spanish OHCA registry (OHSCAR in its Spanish acronym) for 2 time series (2013-2014 and 2017-2018). We included all 11 036 consecutive cases in which an emergency team intervened. The dependent variables were arrival at the hospital after return of spontaneous circulation, overall survival to discharge, and overall survival with good neurological outcomes. Sex was the independent variable. We report descriptive statistics, patient group comparisons, and changes over time. RESULTS: Women were significantly older and less likely to experience an OHCA in a public place, receive automatic external defibrillation, have a shockable heart rhythm, and be attended by an ambulance team within 15 minutes. In addition, fewer women underwent percutaneous coronary interventions or received treatment for hypothermia on admission to the hospital. In 2013-2014 and 2017-2018, respectively, the likelihood of survival was lower for women than men on admission (odds ratio [OR], 0.52 vs OR, 0.61; P .001 and P = .009 in the 2 time series) and at discharge (OR, 0.69 vs 0.72 for men; P = .001 in both time series). Survival with good neurological outcomes was also less likely in women (OR, 0.50 vs 0.63; P .001 in both series). CONCLUSION: The odds for survival and survival with good neurological outcomes were lower for women in nearly all patient groups in both time series. These findings suggest the need to adopt new approaches to address gender differences in OHCA.
OBJETIVO: Examinar las diferencias de género en las características de la parada cardiaca extrahospitalaria (PCRE), los tratamientos, la supervivencia, y los cambios evolutivos en España. METODO: Datos de dos series temporales (2013/2014 y 2017/2018) del registro prospectivo de PCRE (OHSCAR). Se incluyeron todos los casos consecutivos en los que intervino un equipo de emergencias. Las variables dependientes fueron las variables de atención de la PCRE, la llegada al hospital con pulso espontáneo, la supervivencia global al alta, y con buenos resultados neurológicos. El sexo fue la variable independiente. RESULTADOS: Las mujeres fueron significativamente mayores, menos propensas a presentar una PCRE en lugar público, recibir desfibrilación externa automática, tener un ritmo inicial desfibrilable y ser atendidas por una ambulancia en menos de 15 minutos. Además, menos mujeres recibieron intervención coronaria percutánea o hipotermia al ingreso hospitalario. Tanto en 2013/2014 como en 2017/2018 las mujeres tuvieron menos probabilidades de supervivencia al ingreso hospitalario (OR = 0,52; p 0,001; OR = 0,61; p = 0,009 respectivamente), y al alta hospitalaria (OR = 0,69; p = 0,001; OR = 0,72; p = 0,001, respectivamente) y con buenos resultados neurológicos (OR = 0,50; p 0,001; OR = 0,63; p 0,001, respectivamente). CONCLUSIONES: En ambos periodos las mujeres tuvieron menos probabilidades de sobrevivir y de hacerlo en buenas condiciones neurológicas. Estos resultados indican la necesidad de adoptar nuevos enfoques para abordar las diferencias de género en la PCRE.
Assuntos
Reanimação Cardiopulmonar , Serviços Médicos de Emergência , Parada Cardíaca Extra-Hospitalar , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Parada Cardíaca Extra-Hospitalar/terapia , Estudos Prospectivos , Fatores Sexuais , Espanha/epidemiologiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The incidence and outcomes of care for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) vary greatly from country to country. We aimed to study variation in the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of care for OHCAs given by Spanish prehospital emergency services. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive retrospective analysis of data from the Out-of-Hospital Spanish Cardiac Arrest Registry (OHSCAR) from October 2013 to October 2014. Attempts by 19 Spanish emergency services to resuscitate patients were studied. All OHCA cases were reviewed to obtain the following data: incidence, patient and event characteristics, prior emergencies, resuscitation attempts, and the main treatments provided in the hospital. If a patient was admitted, we compared the neurologic status on hospital discharge. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were detected between emergency services (P .0001) in the incidence of attempted resuscitation and all general characteristics except sex. Hospital treatments and outcomes also differed significantly: pulse had been restored on arrival of 30.5% of patients (range 21.3% to 56.1%, P .001), and 31.8% of admitted patients were discharged in cerebral performance categories 1 or 2 (range 17.2% to 58.3%, P .001). CONCLUSION: Differences in the incidence of resuscitation attempts, key variables, and survival at discharge from the hospital are present in OHCA cases attended by prehospital emergency services in different regions of Spain.
OBJETIVO: Existe gran variabilidad internacional en la incidencia y los resultados en la atención a la parada cardiaca extrahospitalaria (PCRE). El objetivo es conocer si existe variabilidad en la incidencia, características y resultados en supervivencia en la atención a la PCRE por los servicios extrahospitalarios de emergencias (SEM) de España. METODO: Análisis descriptivo, retrospectivo de los datos del registro OHSCAR correspondientes al periodo octubre 2013-octubre 2014, que incluye pacientes atendidos por 19 SEM de España con intento de reanimación. Se recogieron los casos atendidos y variables clave sobre la asistencia a una PCRE: incidencia, características del paciente, del evento, de la actuación previa a los equipos de emergencias (EE), de la reanimación realizada, y de los principales tratamientos hospitalarios. Se comparó la situación neurológica al alta hospitalaria de los casos con ingreso hospitalario. RESULTADOS: La incidencia de casos con intento de reanimación y todas las características generales, salvo la distribución por sexo, presentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los SEM participantes (p 0,001). Hubo diferencias significativas en los tratamientos hospitalarios recibidos y en los resultados finales, tanto en la proporción de pacientes que llegaron con pulso espontáneo al hospital, 30,5%, rango entre 21,3% y 56,1% (p 0,001), como en el porcentaje de altas hospitalaria con categoría 1 o 2 de la clasificación Cerebral Perfomance Categories (CPC), sobre el total de ingresados, 31,8%, rango entre 17,2% y 58,3% (p 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: Existe una importante variabilidad entre los SEM españoles en la incidencia de casos con intento de reanimación, en todas las variables clave y en la supervivencia al alta hospitalaria de la atención a la PCRE.
Assuntos
Reanimação Cardiopulmonar , Serviços Médicos de Emergência , Parada Cardíaca Extra-Hospitalar , Hospitais , Humanos , Incidência , Parada Cardíaca Extra-Hospitalar/epidemiologia , Parada Cardíaca Extra-Hospitalar/terapia , Sistema de Registros , Estudos Retrospectivos , Espanha/epidemiologiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To assess first-year secondary-school students' knowledge and performance of basic life support (BLS) 6 months after training given by their regular teachers during school hours. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-two teachers were trained in BLS instruction. They then instructed 1043 students. The students' knowledge increased significantly from mean (SD) scores of 4.42 (1.64) to 7.28 (1.85) (P < .001) and was maintained at 6 months (mean score, 5.15 [3.16]; P <.001). Performance skills were also maintained at 6 months, although the students had greater difficulty attaining ventilation targets. RESULTS: Sixty-two teachers were trained in BLS instruction. They then instructed 1043 students. The students' knowledge increased significantly from mean (SD) scores of 4.42 (1.64) to 7.28 (1.85) (P < .001) and was maintained at 6 months (mean score, 5.15 [3.16]; P < .001). Performance skills were also maintained at 6 months, although the students had greater difficulty attaining ventilation targets. CONCLUSION: Teachers' training of their own first-year secondary students during regular school hours led to changes in the students' attitudes toward the possibility of cardiac arrest and to the learning of BLS techniques.
OBJETIVO: Evaluar la formación en soporte vital básico (SVB), en horario escolar, de alumnos de primero de la enseñanza secundaria obligatoria (ESO) por sus propios profesores y su resultado a los seis meses. METODO: Estudio observacional prospectivo, con análisis pre y postintervención a los seis meses. Se impartieron cursos de SVB según las recomendaciones del European Resuscitation Council a los profesores y estos a sus alumnos. Los exámenes teóricos y prácticos fueron realizados por los profesores. RESULTADOS: . Se formaron 62 profesores que instruyeron a 1.043 alumnos. Hubo un aumento significativo de los conocimientos teóricos [de 4,42 (DE 1,64) a 7,28 (1,85), p < 0,001] aunque descendió a los seis meses [5,15 (3,16), p < 0,001]. Las habilidades prácticas también se mantuvieron a los seis meses, aunque con mayor dificultad las relacionadas con la vía aérea. CONCLUSIONES: La formación en SVB de escolares de primero de la ESO realizada por sus propios profesores en horario modificó la actitud de los escolares ante una posible parada cardiaca y logró un aprendizaje de las técnicas que desciende a los 6 meses.
Assuntos
Reanimação Cardiopulmonar/educação , Professores Escolares , Estudantes , Adolescente , Reanimação Cardiopulmonar/estatística & dados numéricos , Criança , Feminino , Parada Cardíaca/terapia , Humanos , Masculino , Avaliação de Programas e Projetos de Saúde , Estudos Prospectivos , Professores Escolares/estatística & dados numéricos , Estudantes/estatística & dados numéricos , Capacitação de Professores , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To assess factors associated with survival of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in patients who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during ambulance transport. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a registry of OHCA cases treated between 2008 and 2014. We included patients who had not recovered circulation at the time it was decided to transport to a hospital and who were rejected as non-heart-beating donors. Multivariate analysis was used to explore factors associated with the use of ambulance CPR, survival, and neurologic outcome. RESULTS: Out of a total of 7241 cases, 259 (3.6%) were given CPR during emergency transport. The mean (SD) age was 51.6 (23.6) years; 27 (10.1%) were aged 16 years or younger. The following variables were associated with the use of CPR during transport: age 16 years or under (odds ratio [OR], 6.48; 95% CI, 3.91-10.76); P<.001)], witnessed OHCA (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.16-2.26; P=.004), cardiac arrest outside the home (OR, 3.17; 95% CI, 2.38-4.21; P<.001), noncardiac cause (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.07-2.02; P=.019], initially shockable rhythm (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.17-2.37; P=.004), no prior basic life support (OR, 3.48; 95% CI, 2.58-4.70; P<.001), and orotracheal intubation (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.24-2.99; P=.003). One patient (0.38%) survived to discharge with good neurologic outcome. CONCLUSION: Ambulance CPR by a physician on board is applied in few OHCA cases. Young patient age, cardiac arrest outside the home, the presence of a witness, lack of a shockable rhythm on responder arrival, lack of basic life support prior to responder arrival, noncardiac cause, and orotracheal intubation are associated with the use of ambulance CPR, a strategy that can be considered futile.
OBJETIVO: Conocer la supervivencia y los factores asociados a la realización de reanimación cardiopulmonar (RCP) en curso entre los pacientes con parada cardiaca extrahospitalaria (PCR). METODO: Análisis retrospectivo de un registro de casos de PCR entre 2008 y 2014. Se incluyeron los pacientes con PCR sin recuperación espontánea de pulso en el momento de la toma de decisión del traslado hospitalario y que fueron desestimados para donación en asistolia. Se realizó un análisis multivariante para determinar las variables que se asociaron al uso de una estrategia de reanimación en curso y se determinó la supervivencia y el resultado neurológico en dicho grupo de casos. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 7.241 pacientes, de los cuales 259 (3,6%) fueron trasladados al hospital con RCP en curso. La edad media fue 51,6 (DE 23,6) años, de los cuales 27 (10,1%) casos tenían <= 16 años. Las variables que se asociaron con el uso de RCP en curso fueron: edad <= 16 años [OR 6,48 (IC95% 3,91-10,76); p < 0,001)], PCR presenciada [OR 1,62 (IC95% 1,16-2,26); p = 0,004], PCR ocurrida fuera del domicilio [OR 3,17 (IC95% 2,38-4,21); p < 0,001)]; etiología no cardiaca [OR 1,47 (IC95%1,07-2,02); p = 0,019], ritmo inicial desfibrilable [OR 1,67 (IC95% 1,17-2,37); p = 0,004], no existencia de soporte vital previo (SVp) [OR 3,48 (IC95% 2,58-4,70); p < 0,001] y realización de intubación orotraqueal (IOT) [OR 1,93 (IC95% 1,24-2,99); p = 0,003]. Un paciente (0,38%) sobrevivió al alta con buen estado neurológico. CONCLUSIONES: La RCP en curso en servicios de emergencias con médico a bordo es una estrategia poco frecuente en casos de PCR. La juventud del paciente, que la PCR suceda fuera del domicilio, sea presenciada, no exista soporte vital previo, tenga un ritmo inicial desfibrilable, una etiología no cardiaca y que se consiga IOT se asocian con esta estrategia cuyo resultado final puede considerarse fútil.
Assuntos
Ambulâncias , Reanimação Cardiopulmonar/mortalidade , Parada Cardíaca Extra-Hospitalar/mortalidade , Parada Cardíaca Extra-Hospitalar/terapia , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Análise Multivariada , Estudos Retrospectivos , Fatores de Risco , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Most survival outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) are provided by emergency medical services (EMS) without a doctor on board. Our objective was to determine such outcomes in a whole country with public physician-led EMS. METHODS: We analyzed data from a nationwide prospective registry of OHCA cases attended by 19 public EMS in Spain, covering the period from 1-October 2013 to 30-October 2014. RESULTS: Advanced life support (ALS) was initiated in 9347 cases (incidence 18.6 cases/105 inhabitants per year). Resuscitation was considered futile in 558 cases (5.9%), and ALS was continued in 8789 cases (94.1%); mean age 63.5±17 years, 72.1% men. Initial rhythm was shockable in 22.1% of cases. Basic life support (BLS) was provided by bystanders in 1602 (24%) cases (635 of them with telephone assistance from the dispatch center). Of 8789 patients receiving ALS, 72.1% men, 2669 (30.4%) patients had return of spontaneous circulation on hospital arrival, 50.6% when the initial rhythm was shockable. Hospital discharge with good neurological status (CPC1-2) was found in 11.1% of the study population and in 27.6% when considering the Utstein comparator group of patients. A total of 216 (2.5%) patients arrived at the hospital with ongoing resuscitation, of whom only one survived with CPC1-2, and 165 (1.9%) patients were included in non-heart-beating donation programs. CONCLUSIONS: In Spain with physician-led EMS, OHCA survival with CPC1-2 reached a reasonable percentage despite only a modest contribution of bystander BLS. Ongoing resuscitation strategy seems to be futile except when considering non-heart beating donation programs.
Assuntos
Reanimação Cardiopulmonar , Serviços Médicos de Emergência , Parada Cardíaca Extra-Hospitalar , Equipe de Assistência ao Paciente/organização & administração , Papel do Médico , Idoso , Reanimação Cardiopulmonar/métodos , Reanimação Cardiopulmonar/mortalidade , Serviços Médicos de Emergência/métodos , Serviços Médicos de Emergência/organização & administração , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Parada Cardíaca Extra-Hospitalar/mortalidade , Parada Cardíaca Extra-Hospitalar/terapia , Avaliação de Processos e Resultados em Cuidados de Saúde , Sistema de Registros/estatística & dados numéricos , Espanha/epidemiologia , Análise de SobrevidaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There is a paucity of data on prehospital cardiac arrest in Spain. Our aim was to describe the incidence, patient characteristics, and outcomes of out-of-hospital emergency care for this event. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospective registry of cardiopulmonary arrest handled by an out-of-hospital emergency service between January 2008 and December 2012. The registry included all patients considered to have a cardiac etiology as the cause of arrest, with a descriptive analysis performed of general patient characteristics and factors associated with good neurologic outcome at hospital discharge. RESULTS: A total of 4072 patients were included, with an estimated incidence of 14.6 events per 100000 inhabitants and year; 72.6% were men. The mean age was 62.0 ± 15.8 years, 58.6% of cases occurred in the home, 25% of patients had initial defibrillable rhythm, 28.8% of patients arrived with a pulse at the hospital (58.3% of the group with defibrillable rhythm), and 10.2% were discharged with good neurologic outcome. The variables associated with this recovery were: witnessed arrest (P=.04), arrest witnessed by emergency team (P=.005), previous life support (P=.04), initial defibrillable rhythm (P=.0001), and performance of a coronary interventional procedure (P=.0001). CONCLUSIONS: More than half the cases of sudden cardiac arrest occur at home, and the population was found to be relatively young. Although recovery was satisfactory in 1 out of every 10 patients, there is a need for improvement in the phase prior to emergency team arrival. Coronary interventional procedures had an impact on patient prognosis.
Assuntos
Serviços Médicos de Emergência , Doenças do Sistema Nervoso/fisiopatologia , Parada Cardíaca Extra-Hospitalar/mortalidade , Sistema de Registros , Adolescente , Adulto , Suporte Vital Cardíaco Avançado , Distribuição por Idade , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Reanimação Cardiopulmonar , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Cardioversão Elétrica , Feminino , Humanos , Incidência , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Doenças do Sistema Nervoso/etiologia , Parada Cardíaca Extra-Hospitalar/complicações , Parada Cardíaca Extra-Hospitalar/epidemiologia , Parada Cardíaca Extra-Hospitalar/terapia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Distribuição por Sexo , Espanha/epidemiologia , Tempo para o Tratamento , Resultado do Tratamento , Adulto JovemRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Hospital mortality in myocardial infarction ST-elevation myocardial infarction has decreased in recent years, in contrast to prehospital mortality. Our objective was to determine initial complications and factors related to prehospital mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation (STEMI). METHODS: Observational study based on a prospective continuous register of patients of any age attended by out-of-hospital emergency teams in Andalusia between January 2006 and June 2009. This includes patients with acute coronary syndrome-like symptoms whose initial ECG showed ST elevation or presumably new left bundle branch block (LBBB). Epidemiological, prehospital data and final diagnostic were recorded. The study included all patients with STEMI on the register, without age restrictions. Forward stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to control for confounders. RESULTS: A total of 2528 patients were included, 24% were women. Mean age 63.4±13.4â years; 16.7% presented atypical clinical symptoms. Initial complications: ventricular fibrillation (VF) 8.4%, severe bradycardia 5.8%, third-degree atrial-ventricular (AV) block 2.4% and hypotension 13.5%. Fifty-two (2.1%) patients died before reaching hospital. Factors associated with prehospital mortality were female sex (OR 2.36, CI 1.28 to 4.33), atypical clinical picture (OR 2.31, CI 1.21 to 4.41), hypotension (OR 4.95, CI 2.60 to 9.20), LBBB (OR 4.29, CI 1.71 to 10.74), extensive infarction (ST elevation in ≥5 leads) (OR 2.53, CI 1.28 to 5.01) and VF (OR 2.82, CI 1.38 to 5.78). CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of patients with STEMI present early complications in the prehospital setting, and some die before reaching hospital. Prehospital mortality was associated with female sex and atypical presentation, as pre-existing conditions, and hypotension, extensive infarction, LBBB and VF on emergency team attendance.
Assuntos
Serviços Médicos de Emergência/estatística & dados numéricos , Infarto do Miocárdio/mortalidade , Doença Aguda , Idoso , Arritmias Cardíacas , Síndrome de Brugada , Doença do Sistema de Condução Cardíaco , Eletrocardiografia , Feminino , Sistema de Condução Cardíaco/anormalidades , Humanos , Hipotensão/complicações , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Prospectivos , Fatores de Risco , Fatores SexuaisRESUMO
This is a review of current knowledge on cardiogenic shock (CS), with particular attention to recommended management. The bibliography for the study was compiled through a search of different databases between 1966-2008. The references cited in the selected articles were also reviewed. The selection criteria included all reports published on CS, from case reports and case series to controlled studies. Languages used were Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, and English. Cardiogenic shock is the most frequent cause of in-hospital death as a complication of acute coronary syndrome. The incidence is about 7% and, despite therapeutic advances, it continues to have an ominous prognosis, with mortality rates of over 50%. Coronary reperfusion is fundamental in the management of cardiogenic shock, particularly with the use of percutaneous coronary intervention. However, if this is not available, systemic thrombolysis may be performed together with balloon counterpulsation or the use of pressor drugs. Despite the historical importance of the Swan-Ganz catheter, this would appear to have limited use, with echocardiography nonetheless having a fundamental role in the management of CS. Although patients with cardiogenic shock often present a left ventricular ejection fraction of around 30%, survivors often have a good functional classification one year after the event. Neurohormonal and inflammatory mechanisms play a fundamental role in the pathophysiology of CS. These mechanisms are currently the target of studies looking into developing new therapeutic strategies.
Assuntos
Síndrome Coronariana Aguda/complicações , Choque Cardiogênico/complicações , Humanos , Infarto do Miocárdio/complicações , Prognóstico , Choque Cardiogênico/epidemiologia , Choque Cardiogênico/patologia , Choque Cardiogênico/terapiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate out-of-hospital treatment, including fibrinolysis, in patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction and to determine the 1-year survival rate. METHODS: Prospective cohort study based on an ongoing out-of-hospital registry of patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction who were treated by out-of-hospital emergency teams in Andalusia, Spain during 2001-2004. Patients were followed up in hospital and one year after the acute episode. RESULTS: The study involved 2372 patients. Out-of-hospital fibrinolysis was used in 467 (19.7%). Among these, 20.7% received treatment within the first hour, 68% within the first 2 hours, and 2 (0.4%) hemorrhagic strokes occurred. Episodes of ventricular fibrillation were recorded in 158 patients (6.7%), 106 (67%) of whom were discharged. In addition, 386 (16.3%) patients died in the short term (both out of and in hospital), with 26 (1.1%) dying before they reached hospital. The cumulative 1-year mortality rate was 22.4% (531 patients) overall, and 6.6% (29 patients) in the out-of-hospital fibrinolysis group. Increased survival at 1 year was associated with out-of-hospital fibrinolysis (odds ratio [OR]=0.368; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.238-0.566) and percutaneous coronary intervention during admission (OR=0.445; 95% CI, 0.268-0.740). CONCLUSIONS: In routine clinical practice, out-of-hospital fibrinolysis was performed safely, reduced short-term mortality, and improved the 1-year survival rate. The combination of appropriate out-of-hospital treatment, including early defibrillation and fibrinolysis within the first three hours, together with the systematic application of percutaneous coronary intervention during hospital admission is a suitable treatment strategy for the comprehensive care of patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction.
Assuntos
Serviços Médicos de Emergência , Infarto do Miocárdio/tratamento farmacológico , Infarto do Miocárdio/mortalidade , Terapia Trombolítica , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Prospectivos , Taxa de Sobrevida , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Clinical trials and meta-analyses have shown that out-of-hospital thrombolysis is effective. Our objectives were to investigate out-of-hospital emergency management of acute myocardial infarction by paramedical teams and to identify factors associated with out-of-hospital use of fibrinolytic therapy. PATIENTS AND METHOD: The study made use of a registry of all patients with ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome who were diagnosed and treated out of hospital by emergency paramedical teams in Andalusia, Spain in the 2-year period: 2001-2002. Follow-up was carried out during hospital admission and after one month. RESULTS: The study included 981 patients, mean age 65 [13] years, 777 male (79.2%). In total, 152 (15.5%) received out-of-hospital thrombolysis; 18% within the first hour, and 68% within the first 2 hours following symptom onset. No hemorrhagic stroke was observed following thrombolysis. During hospitalization, 206 (21%) patients died, eight (0.8%) of whom had received out-of-hospital thrombolysis. Factors associated with the administration of out-of-hospital thrombolysis included: age under 55 years (P<.0001), normal systolic blood pressure (odds ratio = 6.825; 95% confidence interval, 2.442-19.069), and an in-hospital diagnosis of anterior acute myocardial infarction (P<.022). CONCLUSIONS: The administration of out-of-hospital thrombolysis by emergency paramedical teams enables treatment to be administered within the optimum time interval. Mortality during hospital admission is lower in this subgroup of patients than in those who did not receive out-of-hospital thrombolysis. Moreover, the low complication rate observed indicates that the procedure is safe. However, the patients who received out-of-hospital thrombolysis appeared to be those at a lower risk.