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Automated external defibrillator use in a previously healthy 31‐day‐old infant with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation
Author(s) -
Hoyt Walter J.,
Fish Frank A.,
Kannankeril Prince J.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.193
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1540-8167
pISSN - 1045-3873
DOI - 10.1111/jce.14125
Subject(s) - medicine , ventricular fibrillation , automated external defibrillator , cardiology , medical emergency , emergency medicine , cardiopulmonary resuscitation , resuscitation
Current resuscitation guidelines state that the safety of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in infants less than 1 year of age is unknown. Methods and Results We report successful AED use in a 31‐day‐old previously healthy infant with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest. Chest compressions began immediately, pediatric AED pads were applied in less than 5 minutes and the initial rhythm was ventricular fibrillation. After two 50 J shocks, return of spontaneous circulation was achieved. She was diagnosed with a rare but previously described syndrome of infant ventricular fibrillation and was discharged to home in good condition after epicardial defibrillator placement. Conclusions This case represents, to our knowledge, the youngest patient successfully defibrillated by an AED in a nonmedical setting. Although she received two shocks more than 11 J/kg each, she had no apparent myocardial damage at presentation.