ICU mortality and variables associated with ICU survival in Poland

BACKGROUND: Recently published international comparison data across European countries revealed high mortality rates in Polish ICUs. OBJECTIVES: Estimation of the rate of ICU mortality and identification of variables associated with ICU survival in Poland. DESIGN: Retrospective analyses of a database reporting ICU stays in Poland. SETTINGS AND PATIENTS: The study included data from all adult patients admitted to an ICU in Poland from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ICU mortality and variables associated with ICU survival. RESULTS: A total of 48 282 patients were treated in 347 ICUs (mean age 63.1 ± 16.8 years, 59% men) with 20 278 deaths (42.0%). Variables associated with ICU survival were: tertiary level of hospital care [relative risk (RR) 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80 to 0.92, P < 0.001]; high annual patient volume in the ICU (RR 0.9995 patient year, 95% CI 0.9994 to 0.9996, P < 0.001); younger patient age (RR 1.025 year, 95% CI 1.024 to 1.026, P < 0.001); female sex (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.96; P < 0.001); and lower number of comorbidities (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.35, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: ICU mortality was high in Poland. Structural variables, such as the level of hospital care and annual patient volume, may be associated with ICU survival.