Epidemiology of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Sub-Saharan Africa: Rationale and Design

Background The burden of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in Africa is unknown. Our aim is to assess the epidemiology of SCD in Africa. Methods The sub-Saharan Africa SCD study is a prospective, multicenter, community-based registry monitoring all cases of cardiac arrest occurring in victims > 15 years old. Investigators will use the definition of established SCD if an unexpected death without obvious extracardiac cause, occurred with a rapid witnessed collapse, or if unwitnessed, occurred within 1 hour after the onset of symptoms; probable SCD if an unexpected death without obvious extracardiac cause occurred within the previous 24 hours. After approval from institutional boards, Investigators will record demographic, clinical, electrocardiographic and biological variables of SCD victims (including survivors of cardiac arrest) in several sub-Saharan African cities. All deaths occurring in residents of districts of interest will be checked for past medical history, circumstances of death, and autopsy report (if possible). Investigators will also analyze the employment of resuscitation attempts during the timeframe of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in various patient populations throughout countries. Conclusion This study will provide comprehensive, contemporary data on the epidemiology of SCD in sub-Saharan Africa and will help in the development of strategies to prevent and manage cardiac arrest in this region of the world.

Study Overview

• Status: Unknown
• Conditions: Cardiovascular Diseases

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Anticipated): 250000

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Aime Bonny; Phone Number: 33637975227; Email: aimebonny@yahoo.fr

Study Locations

• Cameroon
  • Douala, Cameroon, 2701
    • Bonny
    • Principal Investigator: Aime Bonny, MD
    • Contact: Aime Bonny; Phone Number: 33637975227; Email: aimebonny@yahoo.fr
    • Sub-Investigator: Rene Fongang

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 15 years and older (Child, Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

All residents of districts of interest will be surveyed during 3 years. premature deaths occurring in residents of districts of interest will be checked for past medical history, circumstances of death, and autopsy report (if possible). Investigators will also analyze the employment of resuscitation attempts during the timeframe of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in various patient populations throughout African countries.

The arm group of the study is every resident of the district of interest

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Victims of cardiac arrest, either SCD or aborted SCA

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age ≤ 15 years.
• Refusal of consent (by the family).

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

2

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Victims of cardiac arrest, either SCD or aborted SCA
Premature death; All residents of districts of interest will be surveyed during 3 years. premature deaths occurring in residents of districts of interest will be checked for past medical history, circumstances of death, and autopsy report (if possible). Investigators will also analyze the employment of resuscitation attempts during the timeframe of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in various patient populations throughout African countries. The arm group of the study is every resident of the district of interest

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Time Frame
Sudden Cardiac Death	3 years

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Cameroon Resuscitation Council

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start: January 1, 2015
• Primary Completion (Anticipated): January 1, 2016
• Study Completion (Anticipated): January 1, 2018

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: May 10, 2014
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 19, 2014
• First Posted (Estimate): May 20, 2014

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Estimate): May 20, 2014
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 19, 2014
• Last Verified: May 1, 2014

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Cardiovascular Diseases
• Other Study ID Numbers: PASCAR