Improving Neonatal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Hemodynamics

Chest compressions are rarely needed in newly born infants, with an estimated occurrence of 0.08% for near-term and term deliveries; however, the consequences of a hypoperfused state on the brain and other organ systems can be devastating.1 Newborns that require prolonged cardiac compressions with no signs of life beyond 10 minutes are at risk for exceptionally poor outcomes, with up to 83% mortality and 77% severe disability noted in survivors.2 Although initiation of therapeutic hypothermia appears to have some advantage for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) recipients who survive the delivery room,3 optimization of the hemodynamics of neonatal cardiac compressions during CPR remains critical.Article see p 2495The infrequent use of cardiac compressions for newborns in the delivery room has impeded the design and completion of rigorous investigations to determine the most effective neonatal cardiac compression methodologies.4 The unique physiology of the …