Prognosis and resuscitation status of critically ill patients with lung cancer admitted to the intensive care unit

Abstract

The aims of the study were to assess the intensive care unit (ICU) outcome for critically ill patients with lung cancer, to determine the risk factors for mortality and to examine the resuscitation status on admission and during their ICU course. Data was collected from May 1999 to March 2009 for patients with lung cancer admitted to the ICU. During the study period, 51 patients with lung cancer were admitted to our ICU. The ICU and hospital mortality rates were 49 and 60%, respectively. The majority of patients were full resuscitation on admission to ICU. The resuscitation status was changed in 56% of patients during the ICU course. It is suggested that end-of-life decisions should be addressed earlier in these patients' illnesses.