2005 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC) of pediatric and neonatal patients: pediatric basic life support

Reducing intrapartum-related neonatal deaths in low- and middle-income countries-what works?

Each year, 814,000 neonatal deaths and 1.02 million stillbirths result from intrapartum-related causes, such as intrauterine hypoxia. Almost all of these deaths are in low- and middle-income countries, where women frequently lack access to quality perinatal care and may delay care-seeking. Approximately 60 million annual births occur outside of health facilities, and most of these childbirths are without a skilled birth attendant. Conditions that increase the risk of intrauterine hypoxia--such as pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, obstructed labor, and low birth weight--are often more prevalent in low resource settings. Intrapartum-related neonatal deaths can be averted by a range of interventions that prevent intrapartum complications (eg, prevention and management of pre-eclampsia), detect and manage intrapartum problems (eg, monitoring progress of labor with access to emergency obstetrical care), and identify and assist the nonbreathing newborn (eg, stimulation and bag-mask ventilation). Simple, affordable, and effective approaches are available for low-resource settings, including community-based strategies to increase skilled birth attendance, partograph use by frontline health workers linked to emergency obstetrical care services, task shifting to increase access to Cesarean delivery, and simplified neonatal resuscitation training (Helping Babies Breathe(SM)). Coverage of effective interventions is low, however, and many opportunities are missed to provide quality care within existing health systems. In sub-Saharan Africa, recent health services assessments found only 15% of hospitals equipped to provide basic neonatal resuscitation. In the short term, intrapartum-related neonatal deaths can be substantially reduced by improving the quality of services for all childbirths that occur in health facilities, identifying and addressing the missed opportunities to provide effective interventions to those who seek facility-based care. For example, providing neonatal resuscitation for 90% of deliveries currently taking place in health facilities would save more than 93,000 newborn lives each year. Longer-term strategies must address the gaps in coverage of institutional delivery, skilled birth attendance, and quality by strengthening health systems, increasing demand for care, and improving community-based services. Both short- and long-term strategies to reduce intrapartum-related mortality should focus on reducing inequities in coverage and quality of obstetrical and perinatal care.

Prognosis for children in cardiac arrest shortly after blunt cranial trauma

BACKGROUND

The goal of this investigation is to determine the success rate of aggressive cardiorespiratory resuscitation in children who experience blunt cranial trauma of sufficient magnitude to quickly cause cardiac arrest.

METHODS

The records of all the children who, within a 6-year period, suffered cardiac arrest at the scene of injury, during transport or in the emergency department of a level one pediatric trauma center, as a consequence of blunt cranial trauma, form the basis of this study.

RESULTS

One of the 40 children who met the inclusion criteria survived. Their ages ranged from 1 month to 16 years, and all had a Glasgow Coma Score of 3 at the scene of injury. Forty-two percent were passengers in motor vehicles, and 32% were victims of nonaccidental trauma. Eleven of the 17 children in the motor vehicle crash were not properly restrained. Eleven of the unrestrained children plus two who were properly restrained were ejected at the time of impact. The average cardiopulmonary resuscitation time was 36 (2-107) minutes. A sinus rhythm was established in 50% but was not sustained in most. The sole survivor was an 8-year-old boy who was ejected and had asystole at the scene. At discharge, he was walking well but had cranial nerve deficits and learning disability.

CONCLUSION

Survival in 40 consecutive children with documented cardiac arrest caused by blunt cranial trauma was 2.5%. This series, when combined with other published reports, is supportive of the position that aggressive resuscitation is rarely successful after 10 minutes and futile after 20 minutes.

Creating and evaluating a data-driven curriculum for central venous catheter placement

BACKGROUND

Central venous catheter placement is a common procedure with a high incidence of error. Other fields requiring high reliability have used Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to prioritize quality and safety improvement efforts.

OBJECTIVE

To use FMEA in the development of a formal, standardized curriculum for central venous catheter training.

METHODS

We surveyed interns regarding their prior experience with central venous catheter placement. A multidisciplinary team used FMEA to identify high-priority failure modes and to develop online and hands-on training modules to decrease the frequency, diminish the severity, and improve the early detection of these failure modes. We required new interns to complete the modules and tracked their progress using multiple assessments.

RESULTS

Survey results showed new interns had little prior experience with central venous catheter placement. Using FMEA, we created a curriculum that focused on planning and execution skills and identified 3 priority topics: (1) retained guidewires, which led to training on handling catheters and guidewires; (2) improved needle access, which prompted the development of an ultrasound training module; and (3) catheter-associated bloodstream infections, which were addressed through training on maximum sterile barriers. Each module included assessments that measured progress toward recognition and avoidance of common failure modes. Since introducing this curriculum, the number of retained guidewires has fallen more than 4-fold. Rates of catheter-associated infections have not yet declined, and it will take time before ultrasound training will have a measurable effect.

CONCLUSION

The FMEA provided a process for curriculum development. Precise definitions of failure modes for retained guidewires facilitated development of a curriculum that contributed to a dramatic decrease in the frequency of this complication. Although infections and access complications have not yet declined, failure mode identification, curriculum development, and monitored implementation show substantial promise for improving patient safety during placement of central venous catheters.

Extended series of cardiac compressions during CPR in a swine model of perinatal asphyxia

BACKGROUND

The rationale for a compression to ventilation ratio of 3:1 in neonates with primary hypoxic, hypercapnic cardiac arrest is to emphasize the importance of ventilation; however, there are no published studies testing this approach against alternative methods. An extended series of cardiac compressions offers the theoretical advantage of improving coronary perfusion pressures and hence, we aimed to explore the impact of compression cycles of two different durations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Newborn swine (n = 32, age 12-36 h, weight 2.0-2.7 kg) were progressively asphyxiated until asystole occurred. Animals were randomized to receive compressions:ventilations 3:1 (n=16) or 9:3 (n=16). Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was defined as a heart rate ≥ 100 beats min⁻¹.

RESULTS

All animals except one in the 9:3 group achieved ROSC. One animal in the 3:1 group suffered bradycardia at baseline, and was excluded, leaving us with 15 animals in each group surviving to completion of protocol. Time to ROSC (median and interquartile range) was 150 s (115-180) vs. 148 s (116-195) for 3:1 and 9:3, respectively (P = 0.74). There were no differences in diastolic blood pressure during compression cycles or in markers of hypoxia and inflammation. The temporal changes in mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, arterial blood gas parameters, and systemic and regional oxygen saturation were comparable between groups.

CONCLUSION

Neonatal pigs with asphyxia-induced cardiac arrest did not respond to a compression:ventilation ratio of 9:3 better than to 3:1. Future research should address if alternative compression:ventilation ratios offer advantages over the current gold standard of 3:1.

Pediatric mock code curriculum: improving resident resuscitations

OBJECTIVES

Resuscitation of the acutely ill child is a necessary skill for pediatric residents. The effects of a hospital-wide mock code program on involvement, anxiety, and leadership have not been studied. We hypothesized that after 1 year of mock codes, pediatric residents would report (1) increased participation, (2) decreased anxiety and increased comfort with knowledge, and (3) increased likelihood of leading and feeling capable of running a code.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study of pediatric residents, anonymous surveys evaluated involvement, comfort, and leadership in codes before and 1 year after a monthly mock code curriculum was incorporated into the resident educational curriculum. The survey measured residents' involvement in actual and mock codes and levels of anxiety, knowledge, and leadership ability during codes.

RESULTS

Approximately 60 residents returned completed survey forms each year. Attendance and participation at actual codes were not significantly changed between years. For mock codes, there was a significant change (P < 0.001) in both observation and participation. After 1 year, residents reported a statistically significant increase in their comfort with knowledge during a code (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-5.2). They also reported a decrease in anxiety and felt more capable of running a code, although these numbers were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

One year after starting a mock code program, residents attended more mock codes and reported more comfort with knowledge in codes. A continued monthly mock code program will provide residents with critical skills training and experience and may translate into active participation, increased leadership, and decreased anxiety in actual codes.

Assessment of neonatal resuscitation performance using video recording in a perinatal centre

AIM

To assess the quality of neonatal resuscitation using video recordings in a perinatal centre.

METHODS

Video recording was performed during high-risk deliveries between August 2007 and January 2008. Video recordings of neonatal resuscitations were assessed using a scoring tool previously used to assess resuscitation performance. Qualitative assessments and observations of team function and technical aspects of management were also recorded. Apgar scores documented in the Medical History and those derived from the video record were compared.

RESULTS

Twenty video recordings of neonatal resuscitations were assessed. Of the assessed domains; invasive ventilation and administration of surfactant were performed best with median scores of 100%. Performed least well were preparation and initial steps as well as the assessment and communication of heart rate (HR); 69% and 75%, respectively. Apgar scores were overestimated by a median value of 2 points at both 1 and 5 min (P < 0.001). Errors during resuscitation included inadequate oropharyngeal suction, aggressive stimulation, poor communication of heart rate and inadequate non-invasive ventilation. Failure to detect deterioration was also observed.

CONCLUSION

Video recording identified strengths and weaknesses in the performance of neonatal resuscitation and can facilitate targeted education and quality assurance programmes.

Effect of hyperoxic resuscitation on propensity of germinal matrix haemorrhage and cerebral injury

AIMS

Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and cerebral injury are major neurological disorders of premature infants. The effect of hyperoxic resuscitation on the occurrence of IVH and cerebral injury is elusive. Therefore, we asked whether hyperoxia during neonatal resuscitation increased the incidence and severity of IVH and cerebral injury in premature newborns.

METHODS

Premature rabbit pups, delivered by C-section, were sequentially assigned to receive 100%, 40% or 21% oxygen for 15 or 60 min at birth. The pups were treated with intraperitoneal glycerol at 24-h postnatal age to determine the incidence and severity of glycerol-induced IVH. Vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin-2 genes and protein expression, endothelial proliferation as well as free radical levels and antioxidants were assessed in the germinal matrix, white matter and cortex of pups exposed to 100% oxygen and to 21% oxygen.

RESULTS

Exposure with 100% oxygen for 1 h did not adversely exacerbate the incidence of glycerol-induced IVH in premature rabbit pups. Compared with room air, 100% oxygen enhanced mRNA expression of both vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin-2 as well as reactive oxygen species levels in the germinal matrix. Hyperoxia did not affect endothelial proliferation, apoptosis or neuronal degeneration in the forebrain.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that 100% oxygen exposure for 1 h does not increase the risk of IVH or cerebral injury in premature rabbit pups. Although extrapolating rabbit neural developmental data into humans has obvious limitations, we speculate that hyperoxia of short duration at birth in premature infants may not result in major neurological adverse effects.

What is the optimal dose of epinephrine during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a rat model?

OBJECTIVE

Because different species may require different doses of drug to produce the same physiologic response, we were provoked to evaluate the dose-response of epinephrine during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and identify what is the optimal dose of epinephrine in a rat cardiac arrest model.

METHODS

Rat cardiac arrest was induced via asphyxia, and then the effects of different doses of epinephrine (0.04, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/kg IV, respectively) and saline on the outcome of CPR were compared (n = 10/each group). The primary outcome measure was restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and the secondary was the change of spontaneous respiration and hemodynamics after ROSC.

RESULTS

Rates of ROSC were 9 of 10, 8 of 10, 7 of 10, and 1 of 10 in the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose epinephrine groups and saline group, respectively. The rates of withdrawal from the ventilator within 60 minutes in the low-dose (7 of 9) and medium-dose epinephrine groups (7 of 8) were higher than in the high-dose epinephrine group (1 of 7, P < .05). Mean arterial pressures were comparable, but the heart rate in the high-dose epinephrine group was the lowest among epinephrine groups after ROSC. These differences in part of time points reached statistical significance (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Different doses of epinephrine produced the similar rate of ROSC, but high-dose epinephrine inhibited the recovery of spontaneous ventilation and caused relative bradycardia after CPR in an asphyxial rat model. Therefore, low and medium doses of epinephrine were more optimal for CPR in a rat asphyxial cardiac arrest model.

Pediatric CPR quality monitoring: analysis of thoracic anthropometric data

INTRODUCTION

Quantitative CPR quality feedback systems improve adult CPR performance. Extension to pediatric patients is desirable; however, the anthropometric measurements of the pediatric chest pertinent to guide the development of pediatric-specific CPR monitoring systems are largely unknown.

HYPOTHESIS

Adult-based CPR quality monitoring and feedback systems will require pediatric-specific tailoring and adaptation.

METHODS

Anthropometric measurements pertinent to the development of pediatric-specific CPR quality monitoring systems were obtained in 150 children ages 6 months to 8 years. Standard descriptive statistics were calculated. Absolute depth point estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the American Heart Association (AHA) chest compression depth recommendations (1/3 and 1/2 Anterior-Posterior chest depth). Percentage of subjects for which the adult minimal feedback depth of 38mm would coach to achieve pediatric AHA target depths was determined.

RESULTS

Point estimate averages for measurements pertinent to pediatric adaptation of CPR monitoring technology were: sternal width: 25.1mm [22.0-29.2]; sternal length: 98.7mm [95.3-102.1]; internipple distance: 120.0mm [117.2-122.8]; chin to sternal notch: 35.3mm [31.2-39.4]; 1/3 AP chest depth: 37.0mm [36.1-37.8]; and 1/2 AP chest depth: 55.4mm [54.2-56.7]. A minimal feedback depth of 38mm would meet the minimum pediatric AHA target for depth in 55% (82/148) of subjects, and coach too deep in only 2% (3/148).

CONCLUSION

Extension of adult-based CPR quality monitoring and feedback systems will require pediatric-specific tailoring and adaptation. Future studies should examine chest compression depths in clinical settings with correlation to physiologic parameters to determine the best targets for pediatric CPR guidelines.

Reevaluation of Emergency Drug Management in a Tertiary Care Mother-Child Hospital

Purpose

To evaluate the management of emergency drugs in a mother-child teaching hospital.

Methods

A physical inventory of all the resuscitation carts, emergency carts, and emergency boxes was taken. Fifteen compliance criteria were established to evaluate partial trays of emergency medications. The contents of full and partial emergency medication trays and boxes were revised, and an improved process was implemented based on a review of the literature. The research team included 2 pharmacists, 1 anesthetist, 1 intensivist, 1 emergency doctor, 1 nurse, and 1 research assistant.

Results

Before the harmonization process, there were 11 full resuscitation carts with 48 items and 30 partial emergency carts with an average item count of 15.4 ± standard deviation 4.4, as well as 16 pediatric boxes and 3 emergency boxes in pediatrics and obstetrics, respectively. During the evaluation process, 1,911 distribution units were checked, 2.5% of which had expired. Following the process there were 14 identical resuscitation carts with 43 items and 25 emergency carts with 21 items.

Conclusion

There are few examples of steps that can be taken to evaluate and update the management of emergency medications in health care facilities. This evaluative study outlines an approach that entailed taking a physical inventory, evaluating the process, and improving the management model within a tertiary care university hospital center. A review of the new process will be performed in 12 months' time.

What is the correct depth of chest compression for infants and children? A radiological study

OBJECTIVE

For infant and child resuscitation, current basic life support guidelines recommend a compression depth of one third to one half of the anteroposterior chest diameter. This study was conducted to assess the actual compression depths in infants and children when current guidelines are strictly followed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Chest computed tomography scans of 36 infants (<1 year old) and 38 children (1-8 years old) were reviewed. Patient demographic data were collected from medical records. Measurements of the anteroposterior diameter from chest computed tomography scans were taken from the anterior skin at either the internipple line or the middle of the lower half of the sternum, perpendicular to the skin on the posterior thorax.

RESULTS

In the infant group (25 boys, 11 girls), the mean age was 3.6 months. In the child-age group (21 boys, 17 girls), the mean age was 4.0 years. Compression depths were 3.4 to 5.1 cm in the infant group and 4.4 to 6.6 cm in the child group when current guidelines were followed. There was no difference in compression depths measured at internipple line versus in the lower half of the sternum. The intrathoracic structures observed beneath these 2 suggested that compression landmarks were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiological assessment of infants' and children's chests indicates similar or higher compression depths for infants and children versus the recommended compression depths for adults (3.8-5.1 cm) according to current guidelines. More evidence is needed to guide the proper depth of chest compression in pediatric populations.

Pediatric airway foreign body retrieval: surgical and anesthetic perspectives

Airway foreign body aspiration most commonly occurs in young children and is associated with a high rate of airway distress, morbidity, and mortality. The presenting symptoms of foreign body aspiration range from none to severe airway obstruction, and may often be innocuous and nonspecific. In the absence of a choking or aspiration event, the diagnosis may be delayed for weeks to months and contribute to worsening lung disease. Radiography and high resolution CT scan may contribute to the eventual diagnosis. Bronchoscopy is used to confirm the diagnosis and retrieve the object. The safest method of removing an airway foreign body is by utilizing general anesthesia. Communication between anesthesiologist and surgeon is essential for optimal outcome. The choice between maintenance of spontaneous and controlled ventilation is often based on personal preference and does not appear to affect the outcome of the procedure. Complications are related to the actual obstruction and to the retrieval of the impacted object. The localized inflammation and irritation that result from the impacted object can lead to bronchitis, tracheitis, atelectasis, and pneumonia.

Management of the pediatric organ donor to optimize lung donation

Lung transplantation in childhood is a highly specialized clinical practice confined to a few centers around the world. Organ availability remains an important limiting factor in extending the application of this procedure to more infants, children and adolescents. The lungs are the organ most vulnerable to injury, infection and dysfunction among transplantable organs in the brain dead deceased donor. In this manuscript, we review the pathophysiology of the most common and important disease states that affect the lungs in potential donors. Furthermore, we herein provide recommendations for optimal management of the pediatric organ donor with an emphasis on strategies to improve the opportunity for the lungs to be placed in candidates on the transplant list.

A prospective comparison of diaphragmatic ultrasound and chest radiography to determine endotracheal tube position in a pediatric emergency department

BACKGROUND

Investigators report endotracheal tube misplacement in up to 40% of emergent intubations. The standard elements of confirmation have significant limitations. Diaphragmatic ultrasound is a potentially viable addition to the confirmatory process. Our primary hypothesis is that ultrasound is equivalent to chest radiography in determining endotracheal tube position within the airway in emergent pediatric intubations.

METHODS

We enrolled a prospective, convenience sample from all intubated patients in our emergency department. The primary outcome was the agreement between diaphragmatic ultrasound and chest radiography for endotracheal tube position. On ultrasound, tracheal placement equaled bilateral diaphragmatic motion, bronchial placement equaled unilateral diaphragmatic motion, and esophageal placement equaled no or paradoxical diaphragmatic motion during delivery of positive pressure. Study sonographers were blind to radiographic results. Our secondary outcome was the timeliness of ultrasound versus chest radiography results. Our institutional review board approved this study with a waiver of informed consent.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-seven patients were enrolled. In 24 (19%) patients, the endotracheal tube was in the mainstem bronchus on chest radiography. There were no esophageal intubations in the sample. Ultrasound and chest radiography agreed on endotracheal tube placement in 106 patients (94 tracheal and 12 mainstem), for an overall agreement of 0.83. The sensitivity of ultrasound for tracheal placement was 0.91. The specificity of ultrasound for mainstem intubation was 0.50. Thirty-four patients had a second ultrasound by a separate, blinded sonographer; 33 of 34 of the results of the second sonographer were in agreement with the initial sonogram, for an interrater agreement of 97%. Clinically useful chest radiography results took a median of 8 minutes longer to achieve than ultrasound results.

CONCLUSIONS

Diaphragmatic ultrasound was not equivalent to chest radiography for endotracheal tube placement within the airway. However, ultrasound results were timelier, detected more misplacements than standard confirmation alone, and were highly reproducible between sonographers.

Effect of alternative chest compression techniques in infant and child on rescuer performance

OBJECTIVE

Current chest compression (CC) guidelines for an infant recommend a two-finger (TF) technique with lone rescuer and a two- thumb (TT) technique with two rescuers, and for a child either an one hand (OH) or a two hand (TH) technique with one or two rescuers. The effect of a 30:2 compression:ventilation ratio using these techniques on CC quality and rescuer fatigue is unknown. We hypothesized that during lone rescuer CC, TT technique, in infant and TH in child achieve better compression depth (CD) without additional rescuer fatigue compared with TF and OH, respectively.

DESIGN

Randomized observational study.

SETTING

University-affiliated pediatric hospital.

SUBJECTS

Adult healthcare providers certified in basic life support or pediatric advanced life support.

INTERVENTIONS

Laerdal baby advanced life support trainer and Resusci junior manikin were modified to digitally record CD, compression pressure (CP) and compression rate. Sixteen subjects were randomized to each of the four techniques to perform 5 minutes of lone rescuer 30:2 compression:ventilation cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Rescuer heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate were recorded continuously and the recovery time interval for HR/respiratory rate to return to baseline was determined. Subjects were blinded to data recording. Groups were compared using two-sample, two-sided Student's t tests.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Two-thumb technique generated significantly higher CD and peak CP compared with TF (p < 0.001); there was no significant difference between OH vs. TH. TF showed decay of CD and CP over time compared with TT. Compression rate (per minute) and actual compressions delivered were not significantly different between groups. No significant differences in fatigue and recovery time were observed, except the TT group had greater increase in the rescuer's HR (bpm) from baseline compared with TF group (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Two-thumb compression provides higher CD and CP compared with TF without any evidence of decay in quality and additional rescuer fatigue over 5 minutes. There was no significant difference in child CC quality or rescuer fatigue between OH and TH. Two-thumb technique is preferred for infant CC and our data support the current guidelines for child CC.

Epidemiology of admissions in a pediatric resuscitation room

OBJECTIVE

Describe the epidemiology of a pediatric resuscitation room (PRR).

METHODS

A prospective study was performed in a pediatric emergency department (PED) from June 17, 2004 to March 19, 2006. Collected data were date and time of admission in the unit and, in the PRR, age and sex, geographical origin, mode of transportation, PED referral mode, diagnosis, evolution, and resuscitation techniques. Statistical analysis included a univariate analysis of hypothetical links between variables and their relation to the risk of death or transfer to the pediatric intensive care unit, then a multivariate analysis by logistical regression where the dependant variable was this risk.

RESULTS

Three hundred sixty-one patients totaled 370 admissions. The male-female ratio was 1.3. Mean (SD) age was 5.5 (5.2) years. A quarter of the population was recommended for admission by a physician. Main causes were cardiocirculatory (32%), neurological (26%), respiratory (23%), and traumas (18%), and 17% were hospitalized in an intensive care unit and 4 died. Sixteen technical resuscitation procedures were performed. Children from 0 to 2 years old were more often admitted for cardiocirculatory insufficiency (P < 0.001). The children who were at higher risk for pediatric intensive care unit transfer or death were children from 0 to 2 years old (P < 0.001), an admission for respiratory insufficiency (P < 0.001), and an arrival by medicalized transport (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to national guidelines for PRR management, the teaching and knowledge of the different diagnosis admitted in the PRR and their resuscitation technical procedures warranty a serener approach of those stressful situations.

[Evaluation of an educational intervention on the standard of neonatal resuscitation: orotracheal versus nasotracheal intubation]

Proficiency in endotracheal intubation is an essential step in the neonatal resuscitation process. This skill is difficult to acquire and its mastery requires experience. Recent changes in neonatal resuscitation guidelines (ILCOR 2006) have resulted in a decrease in the opportunities to practice intubations. Appropriate education and training is therefore essential. The goal of this study was to assess the skills of neonatal care professionals in performing intubation via orotracheal (OT) and nasotracheal (NT) routes.

METHODS

OT and NT intubation attempts were compared during training on a neonatal mannequin (Laerdal, Neonatal Resuscitation Baby((R))) at each course of an educational intervention on neonatal resuscitation organized in level 1-3 institutions of the Maternités en Yvelines Perinatal Network. The duration of these attempts was noted; intubation in less than 30s was considered successful.

RESULTS

Thirty-two midwifery students (STD), 103 midwives (MW) and 25 pediatricians (PED) participated in the study. The median (IQR) time for intubation was less with the OT route than with the NT route for STD (12.0 vs 23.0s; p=0.001), MW (14.0 vs 25.0s; p=0.001), and PEDs (13.0 vs 20.0s; p=0.007). The success rates for intubation in less than 30s were higher for the OT than the NT routes for STD (100% vs 66%; p=0.001), MW (97% vs 69%; p=0.001) and PED (92% vs 88%; p=NS).

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that OT intubation training resulted in a higher success rate and lower duration for intubation. Practical courses in neonatal resuscitation should include training with OT intubation.

Management strategies in foreign-body aspiration

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to outline a management algorithm to ensure effective teamwork in decreasing morbidity and mortality in pediatric Foreign-Body Aspirations (FBA). Furthermore, the role of flexible bronchoscopy when compared to rigid bronchoscopy in FBA was evaluated.

METHODS

Charts of patients with suspected FBA from October 1999 to September 2006 were reviewed and data with regards to the history, presenting symptoms, diagnostics and therapeutic tactics, was collected.

RESULTS

A total of 77 children with suspicion of FBA were managed in the 7 year period. Bronchoscopies were performed in 63 patients and in 26 foreign-bodies (FB) were found and extracted. At referral, 53 patients did not present acute respiratory symptoms, but had a positive history of FBA, and in 13 FB were found. Despite negative chest x-rays in 55 patients, FB were found in 8. Rigid bronchoscopy was performed in 53 and flexible in 10 patients. In 3 out of 10 patients who had undergone flexible bronchoscopy a FB was identified, the extraction of which was performed using a rigid bronchoscope.

CONCLUSION

Clinical and radiological findings in children with typical history of suspected FBA are not enough to confirm the presence of FB. Successful management with an extremely low rate of morbidity and no mortality was observed using the algorithm used at our center. Flexible bronchoscopy reduces the chances of airway tract injury; however a rigid bronchoscope is necessary for FB removal.

Neonatologie

Noch vor 10 Jahren war die häufigste Todesursache Frühgeborener das akute Lungenversagen. Die sensationellen Ergebnisse von Mary Ellen Avery ebneten dann den Weg für eine kausale Therapie des Atemnotsyndroms. M.E. Avery beobachtete, dass die Lungen eines verstorbenen Frühgeborenen luftleer und „schwer“ waren und kein „schäumendes Material“ („foam“)enthielten. Wiesie durch Experimente belegen konnte, fehlte diesen Lungen in der Tat eine Substanz, die die Oberflächenspannung in den Alveolen vermindert: das pulmonale Surfactant. Die 1959 publizierten Ergebnisse ihrer Untersuchungen fanden zunächst nicht die ihnen gebührende Aufmerksamkeit. Um die weitere Resonanz auf ihre Entdeckung zu beschreiben, verweist M.E. Avery gerne auf den deutschen Philosophen Schopenhauer. Dieser hatte erkannt, dass sich neues Wissen in 3 Phasen verbreitet: Die 1. Phase, in der neue Ergebnisse bekannt gegeben werden, wird meist ignoriert. In der 2. Phase rufen die inzwischen von anderen nicht mehr zu leugnenden Ergebnisse Feindseligkeiten hervor, in der 3. und letzten Phase besteht eine generelle Übereinstimmung darüber, dass man schon immervon dieser Tatsacheausgegangen sei.(CPS)

Is shock a key element in the pathology of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

In developed countries, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the most common cause of death for infants between 1 month and 1 year of age. The etiology of SIDS is likely to be multifactorial, and current paradigms often describe three overlapping elements of risk. Those elements are a critical developmental period, a vulnerable infant, and one or more exogenous stressors. In the triple-risk model, SIDS infants are described as having an underlying vulnerability in cardiorespiratory control in the central nervous system during a critical period when autonomic control is developing. This vulnerability might affect the response to exogenous stressors, including prone sleeping position, hypoxia, and increased carbon dioxide. In the common bacterial hypothesis and fatal triangle, the focus is on the stressors. In the first, a combination of common respiratory infections can cause SIDS in an infant during a developmentally vulnerable period. This theory also includes 3 factors of vulnerability: a genetic predisposition, a vulnerable developmental age, and infectious stressors. In the fatal triangle theory, infection, inflammation, and genetics each play a role in triggering a SIDS fatality. From our work in an animal model, we have found that rat pups die from a combination of infectious insults during a critical time of development. This is exacerbated by perinatal nicotine exposure, a condition shown to alter the autonomic response in exposed offspring. We are proposing that shock and cardiovascular collapse is a key element that links these theories.

Resuscitation of preterm infants with reduced oxygen results in less oxidative stress than resuscitation with 100% oxygen

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the level of inhaled oxygen during resuscitation on the levels of free radicals and anti-oxidative capacity in the heparinized venous blood of preterm infants. Forty four preterm infants <35 weeks of gestation with mild to moderate neonatal asphyxia were randomized into two groups. The first group of infants were resuscitated with 100% oxygen (100% O(2) group), while in the other group (reduced O(2) group), the oxygen concentration was titrated according to pulse oximeter readings. We measured total hydroperoxide (TH) and redox potential (RP) in the plasma within 60 min of birth. The integrated excessive oxygen ( summation operator(FiO(2)-0.21) x Time(min)) was higher in the 100% O(2) group than in the reduced O(2) group (p<0.0001). TH was higher in the 100% O(2) group than in the reduced O(2) group (p<0.0001). RP was not different between the 100% O(2) and reduced O(2) groups (p = 0.399). RP/TH ratio was lower in the 100% O(2) group than in the reduced O(2) group (p<0.01). We conclude that in the resuscitation of preterm infants with mild to moderate asphyxia, oxidative stress can be reduced by lowering the inspired oxygen concentration using a pulse oximeter.

Characteristics and outcome of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in hospitalised African children

Objective

To review the characteristics and outcome of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in children at a rural hospital in Kenya.

Patients and method

All children aged 0–14 years who experienced ≥1 episode of respiratory or cardiopulmonary arrest during April 2002–2004 were prospectively identified. Demographic variables, cause of hospitalisation, type and duration of arrest, resuscitation measures taken and outcomes were determined.

Results

114 children experienced at least one episode of respiratory arrest (RA) or cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed on all children. “Do not resuscitate order” (DNR) was given in 15 patients after initial resuscitation. Eighty two patients (72%) had RA and 32 (28%) had CPA. 25/82 (30%) patients with RA survived initial CPR compared to 5/32 (16%) with CPA. Survival at discharge was 22% (18/82) in children who had RA while no one with CPA survived at discharge. The leading underlying diseases were severe malaria, septicaemia and severe malnutrition. Prolonged resuscitation beyond 15 min and receiving adrenaline [epinephrine] (at least one dose of 10 μg/kg IV) were predictive of poor final outcome.

Conclusion

Cardiopulmonary arrest after admission has a very poor prognosis in our hospital. Infectious diseases are the main underlying causes of arrest. If a child fails to respond to the basic tenements of PALS within 15 min then it is unlikely that further efforts to sustain life will be fruitful in hospitals where ventilation facilities are not present.

A survey of anesthesiologists' knowledge of American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support Resuscitation Guidelines

AIM OF STUDY

Determine anesthesiologists' knowledge of the 2005 American Heart Association (AHA) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) recommendations.

METHODS

After obtaining institutional review board approval, a survey was sent in February 2007 to members of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia via a web-based survey tool, and re-sent to nonresponders five times over the following 7 months.

RESULTS

Overall response rate was 51% (389/768 members). Eighty-five percent of respondents had pediatric anesthesia fellowships, 71% provided anesthesia primarily to children, 71% had been in practice >10 years, 29% had PALS or APLS training during the previous year, and 37% had a patient requiring chest compressions in the previous year. Overall, 89% of respondents knew the correct initial dose of epinephrine (adrenaline) for asystole, 44% knew subsequent management for asystole if initial epinephrine dose was ineffective, 49% knew defibrillation sequence to treat pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), and 73% knew the medication sequence to treat pulseless VT. Only those respondents who reported to be in practice for >10 years scored significantly (p<0.0001) better on all resuscitation treatment questions. Respondents who had PALS or APLS training in the previous year or previous 2 years scored significantly better on the defibrillation sequence for pulseless VT (p=0.001 and p=0.045, respectively), and the medication sequence for pulseless VT (p=0.0005 and p=0.011, respectively) when compared with those who had no previous training.

CONCLUSION

Deficiencies exist in the knowledge of current AHA PALS guidelines among anesthesiologists. Formal resuscitation training programs should be considered in ongoing continuing medical education.

Resuscitation education: narrowing the gap between evidence-based resuscitation guidelines and performance using best educational practices

Recent data from in- and out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrests reveal that health care teams frequently deviate from American Heart Association guidelines during resuscitation efforts. These discrepancies between the current state of evidence-based resuscitation guidelines and the quality of basic and advanced life support actually delivered represent a missed opportunity and provide a significant target for optimizing patient outcomes through improved educational effectiveness. This article presents discussion of the quality of resuscitation delivered to patients, a brief history of the development of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and attempts to translate the science of resuscitation to the bedside through effective educational strategies, a review of educational best practices that relate to resuscitation education, and discussion of the role of medical simulation in resuscitation training.

Teamwork during resuscitation

Effective resuscitation requires the integration of several cognitive, technical, and behavioral skills. Because resuscitation is performed by teams of health care professionals, these individuals must be able to work together in a coordinated and efficient manner, making teamwork a critical skill for care of patients in distress. Despite the importance of teamwork in health care, little consensus exists as to what it is, how it can most effectively be learned, and how it should be assessed. This article reviews current knowledge on the measurement, training, and importance of teamwork in pediatric resuscitation.

Chest compression quality and rescuer fatigue with increased compression to ventilation ratio during single rescuer pediatric CPR

OBJECTIVE

The effects of the recommended 30:2 compression:ventilation (C:V) ratio on chest compression rate (CR), compression depth (CD), compression pressure (CP) and rescuer fatigue is unknown during pediatric CPR. We hypothesized that a 30:2 C:V ratio will decrease compression depth and compression pressure and increase rescuer fatigue compared with a 15:2 ratio.

DESIGN

Randomized crossover observational study.

METHODS

Adolescent, child and infant manikins were modified to digitally record compression rate, compression depth, compression pressure and total compression cycles (CC). BLS or PALS certified volunteers were randomized to five CPR groups: adolescent (AD), child 1-hand (OH), child 2-hand (TH), infant two-finger (TF) and infant two-thumb (TT). Each rescuer performed each ratio for 5 min with the order randomized. Rescuer heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) were recorded continuously during CPR and used to determine the recovery time (RT) for HR/RR to return to baseline. Data (mean+/-S.D.) were contrasted by paired differences for quantitative data and the sign rank test for ordinal data.

RESULTS

Eighty subjects (16 per group) were randomized. The peak compression pressure and compression rate were not different within any group, but total compression cycle were higher in all 30:2 groups. Compression depth (mm) was not significantly different within any group. The rescuer's HR (bpm) increased significantly during 30:2 CPR in AD and OH group with no significant differences in RR and recovery time. Subjects reported that 15:2 CPR was easier to perform (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

During single rescuer pediatric BLS, more compression cycles were achieved with 30:2 C:V ratio without effect on compression depth, pressure and rate. Increased HR with 30:2 C:V ratio was noted during larger manikin CPR without subjective difference of reported fatigue. Most rescuers in AD and TF group did not achieve recommended compression depth regardless of C:V ratio.

Meconium aspiration syndrome

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is one of the most common conditions associated with aspiration during the newborn period. MAS can be defined as respiratory distress in a neonate born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAE) with symptoms that cannot otherwise be explained. It can be characterized by early onset of respiratory distress in term and near-term infants delivered through MSAE. Early presentation includes respiratory symptoms such as respiratory distress, poor lung compliance, hypoxemia, and radiographic findings of hyperinflation and patchy opacifications. This article discusses the pathophysiologv of MAS, historical and current prevention strategies, current management strategies, and prognoses for infants born through MSAE.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation rescue for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in pediatric patients

OBJECTIVE

To describe survival and neurologic outcome and identify the factors associated with survival among pediatric patients following extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) for in-hospital cardiac arrest.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

A university-affiliated tertiary care hospital.

PATIENTS

Eligible patients were < or = 18 yrs of age and received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during active cardiopulmonary resuscitation for in-hospital cardiac arrest.

INTERVENTIONS

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) during active cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. The secondary outcome was neurologic status after ECPR at hospital discharge and late follow-up. Good neurologic outcome was defined as Pediatric Cerebral Performance Categories 1, 2, and 3. Continuous variables were expressed as medians (interquartile range). We prospectively defined the early cohort (January 1999 to December 2001) and late cohort (January 2002 to January 2006) and compared the survival rates. We identified 27 ECPR events. The survival rate to hospital discharge was 41% (11 of 27). The nonsurvivors had higher pre-cardiopulmonary resuscitation serum lactate levels (14 [10.2-19.6] mmol/L vs. 8.5 [4.4-12.6] mmol/L, p < .01), longer durations of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (60 [37-81] mins vs. 45 [25-50] mins, p < .05) with longer activating time for ECMO (12.5 [7.5-33.8] mins vs. 5 [0-10] mins, p < .01), and more renal failure after ECPR (68% [11 of 16] vs. 9% [1 of 11], p < .01). The survival rate of the late cohort was better than that of the early cohort (58% [11 of 19] vs. 0% [0 of 8], p < .05). By exact multiple logistic regression analysis, the early cohort and renal failure after ECPR were two independent risk factors for mortality. Among the 11 survivors, ten had good neurologic outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

ECPR successfully rescued some pediatric patients who failed rescue with conventional in-hospital CPR. Good neurologic outcomes were achieved in the majority of the survivors. Early cohort and post-ECPR renal failure were associated with mortality.

Neonatal resuscitation after severe asphyxia--a critical evaluation of 177 Swedish cases

AIM

To evaluate neonatal resuscitation of infants born with severe asphyxia.

METHOD

All case records of the 472 claims for financial compensation due to suspected medical malpractice in conjunction with childbirth in Sweden between 1990 and 2005 were scrutinized. Inclusion criteria were: gestational age > or =33 completed weeks, planned vaginal onset of delivery, a reactive CTG at onset of labour, neonatal asphyxia (defined as metabolic acidosis [pH of < 7.05 and/or a base excess of < -12]), or an Apgar score <7 at 5 min. It was assessed that 177 infants suffered from cerebral palsy or early death due to severe asphyxia presumably caused by malpractice around labour.

RESULTS

Median Apgar score at 5 min was 3, indicating that all infants needed immediate and extensive resuscitation. There was insufficient adherence to guidelines concerning neonatal resuscitation, including delayed initiation of excessive resuscitation in 19 infants, lack of satisfactory ventilation in 79 infants, and untimely interruption of resuscitation in 38 infants.

CONCLUSIONS

Compliance with guidelines for resuscitation of severely asphyctic newborn may be improved, especially concerning ventilation and prompt paging for skilled personnel in cases of imminent asphyxia. Documentation of neonatal resuscitation must be improved to enable reliable evaluation.

Insulin infusion via an intraosseous needle in diabetic ketoacidosis

We report the successful management of a five-year-old child with severe diabetic ketoacidosis with dehydration, who received his initial resuscitative fluids and a continuous infusion of insulin via an intraosseous needle. The patient had presented to a remote community hospital and intravenous access could not be gained. The correction of hyperglycaemia and metabolic acidaemia was achieved at a rate comparable to intravenous therapy. No complications were observed. Although intraosseous access is well described in paediatric resuscitation guidelines, it is not mentioned in International Diabetes Society guidelines for the management of diabetic ketoacidosis. Alternatives to intravenous administration of insulin delivery recommended in such guidelines, such as the subcutaneous or intramuscular routes, may be less appropriate than the intraosseous route. This route can also allow resuscitation fluids and other drugs to be reliably administered in children with diabetic ketoacidosis and severe dehydration where intravenous access can not be attained. We suggest that the potential role of intraosseous access, when intravenous access can not be obtained, should be considered when management guidelines for paediatric diabetic ketoacidosis with dehydration are reviewed.

Hypothermia effects on neurovascular coupling and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen

Neuronal activation is accompanied by a local increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and in cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO(2)), caused by neurovascular and neurometabolic coupling. Hypothermia is used as a neuroprotective approach in surgical patients and therapeutically after cardiac arrest or stroke. The effect of hypothermia on neurovascular coupling is of interest for evaluating brain function in these patients, but has not been determined so far. It is not clear whether functional hyperaemia actually operates at subnormal temperatures. In addition, decreasing brain temperature reduces spontaneous CMRO(2) following a known quantitative relationship (Q(10)). Q(10) determination may serve to validate a recently introduced CMRO(2) measurement approach relying on optical measurements of CBF and hemoglobin concentration. We applied this method to investigate hypothermia in a functional study of the somatosensory cortex. Anesthetized Wistar rats underwent surgical implantation of a closed cranial window. Using laser Doppler flowmetry and optical spectroscopy, relative changes in CBF and hemoglobin concentration were measured continuously. At the same time, an electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded from the measurement site. By the application of ice packs, whole-body hypothermia was induced, followed by rewarming. Spontaneous EEG, CBF and CMRO(2) were measured, interleaved by blocks of electrical forepaw stimulation. The Q(10) obtained from spontaneous CMRO(2) changes of 4.4 (95% confidence interval 3.7-5.1) was close to published values, indicating the reliability of the CMRO(2) measurement. Lowering brain temperature decreased functional changes of CBF and CMRO(2) as well as amplitudes of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) to the same degree. In conclusion, neurovascular and neurometabolic coupling is preserved during hypothermia.

Severe asphyxia due to delivery-related malpractice in Sweden 1990-2005

Objective

To describe possible causes of delivery-related severe asphyxia due to malpractice.

Design and setting

A nationwide descriptive study in Sweden.

Population

All women asking for financial compensation because of suspected medical malpractice in connection with childbirth during 1990–2005.

Method

We included infants with a gestational age of ≥33 completed gestational weeks, a planned vaginal onset of delivery, reactive cardiotocography at admission for labour and severe asphyxia-related outcomes presumably due to malpractice. As asphyxia-related outcomes, we included cases of neonatal death and infants with diagnosed encephalopathy before the age of 28 days.

Main outcome measure

Severe asphyxia due to malpractice during labour.

Results

A total of 472 case records were scrutinised. One hundred and seventy-seven infants were considered to suffer from severe asphyxia due to malpractice around labour. The most common events of malpractice in connection with delivery were neglecting to supervise fetal wellbeing in 173 cases (98%), neglecting signs of fetal asphyxia in 126 cases (71%), including incautious use of oxytocin in 126 cases (71%) and choosing a nonoptimal mode of delivery in 92 cases (52%).

Conclusion

There is a great need and a challenge to improve cooperation and to create security barriers within our labour units. The most common cause of malpractice is that stated guidelines for fetal surveillance are not followed. Midwives and obstetricians need to improve their shared understanding of how to act in cases of imminent fetal asphyxia and how to choose a timely and optimal mode of delivery.

Please cite this paper as:Berglund S, Grunewald C, Pettersson H, Cnattingius S. Severe asphyxia due to delivery-related malpractice in Sweden 1990–2005. BJOG 2008;115:316–323.

Simulation of in-hospital pediatric medical emergencies and cardiopulmonary arrests: highlighting the importance of the first 5 minutes

OBJECTIVES

Outcomes of in-hospital pediatric cardiopulmonary arrest are dismal. Recent data suggest that the quality of basic and advanced life support delivered to adults is low and contributes to poor outcomes, but few data regarding pediatric events have been reported. The objectives of this study were to (1) measure the median elapsed time to initiate important resuscitation maneuvers in simulated pediatric medical emergencies (ie, "mock codes") and (2) identify the types and frequency of errors committed during pediatric mock codes.

METHODS

A prospective, observational study was conducted of 34 consecutive hospital-based mock codes. A mannequin or computerized simulator was used to enact unannounced, simulated crisis situations involving children with respiratory distress or insufficiency, respiratory arrest, hemodynamic instability, and/or cardiopulmonary arrest. Assessment included time elapsed to initiation of specific resuscitation maneuvers and deviation from American Heart Association guidelines.

RESULTS

Among the 34 mock codes, the median time to assessment of airway and breathing was 1.3 minutes, to administration of oxygen was 2.0 minutes, to assessment of circulation was 4.0 minutes, to arrival of any physician was 3.0 minutes, and to arrival of first member of code team was 6.0 minutes. Among cardiopulmonary arrest scenarios, elapsed time to initiation of compressions was 1.5 minutes and to request for defibrillator was 4.3 minutes. In 75% of mock codes, the team deviated from American Heart Association pediatric basic life support protocols, and in 100% of mock codes there was a communication error.

CONCLUSIONS

Alarming delays and deviations occur in the major components of pediatric resuscitation. Future educational and organizational interventions should focus on improving the quality of care delivered during the first 5 minutes of resuscitation. Simulation of pediatric crises can identify targets for educational intervention to improve pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation and, ideally, outcomes.