CARDIAC-ARRHYTHMIAS IN PATIENTS WITH SERIOUS PULMONARY-DISEASES

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 59  (3) , 154-159
Abstract
During a 5 yr period, 1969-1973, 451 patients with acute severe pulmonary diseases were admitted to the 3 medical intensive care units (MICU) at Ullevaal Hospital [Oslo, Norway]. In 39% of the patients a major cardiac arrhythmia was recorded in the units during a mean observation time of 24 h. The subsequent mortality in the hospital was 31% in patients with arrhythmias in the MICU, and 8% in patients without arrhythmias. The association between arrhythmias and mortality was significant (P < 0.004) in patients with a diagnosis of pneumonia. There was also an association (P < 0.04) between arrhythmias and the severity of lung disease. Continuous ECG monitoring of patients with severe pneumonia or acute exacerbations of obstructive lung disease is recommended.

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