Severe ventilatory compromise due to gastric distention during pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Effect of stomach inflation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation on return of spontaneous circulation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients: A retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Gastric inflation caused by excessive ventilation is a common complication of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Gastric inflation may further compromise ventilation via increases in intrathoracic pressure, leading to decreased venous return and cardiac output, which may impair out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes. The purpose of this study was to measure the gastric volume of OHCA patients using computed tomography (CT) scan images and evaluate the effect of gastric inflation on return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

METHODS

In this single-center, retrospective, observational study, CT scan was conducted after ROSC or immediately after death. Total gastric volume was measured. Primary outcome was ROSC. Achievement of ROSC was compared in the gastric distention group and the no gastric distention group; gastric distension was defined as total gastric volume in the ≥75th percentile. Additionally, factors associated with gastric distention were examined.

RESULTS

A total of 446 cases were enrolled in the study; 120 cases (27%) achieved ROSC. The median gastric volume was 400 ml for all OHCA subjects; 1068 ml in gastric distention group vs. 287 ml in no gastric distention group. There was no difference in ROSC between the groups (27/112 [24.1%] vs. 93/334 [27.8%], p = 0.440). Gastric distention did not have a significant impact, even after adjustments (adjusted odds ratio 0.73, 95% confidence interval [0.42-1.29]). Increased gastric volume was associated with longer emergency medical service activity time.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a median gastric volume of 400 ml in patients after OHCA resuscitation. In our setting, gastric distention did not prevent ROSC.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: The Importance of the Basics

Cardiac arrest is the loss of organized cardiac activity. Unfortunately, survival to hospital discharge is poor, despite recent scientific advances. The goals of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are to restore circulation and identify and correct an underlying etiology. High-quality compressions remain the foundation of CPR, optimizing coronary and cerebral perfusion pressure. High-quality compressions must be performed at the appropriate rate and depth. Interruptions in compressions are detrimental to management. Mechanical compression devices are not associated with improved outcomes but can assist in several situations.

Improved simulated ventilation with a novel tidal volume and peak inspiratory pressure controlling bag valve mask: A pilot study

Introduction

The dangers of hyperventilation during resuscitation are well known. Traditional bag valve mask (BVM) devices rely on end users to control tidal volume (V_t), rate, and peak inspiratory pressures (PIP) of ventilation. The Butterfly BVM (BBVM) is a novel device intending to give greater control over these parameters. The objective of this pilot study was to compare the BBVM against a traditional device in simulated resuscitations.

Methods

Senior emergency medicine residents and fellows participated in a three-phase simulation study. First, participants used the Ambu Spur II BVM in adult and pediatric resuscitations. V_t, PIP, and rate were recorded. Second, participants repeated the resuscitations after a brief introduction to the BBVM. Third, participants were given a longer introduction to the BBVM and were tested on their ability to adjust its various settings.

Results

Nineteen participants were included in the adult arm of the study, and 16 in the pediatric arm. The BBVM restricted V_t delivered to a range of 4-8 ml/kg vs 9 ml/kg and 13 ml/kg (Ambu adult and Ambu pediatric respectively). The BBVM never exceeded target minute ventilations while the Ambu BVMs exceeded target minute ventilation in 2 of 4 tests. The BBVM failed to reliably reach higher PIP targets in one test, while the pediatric Ambu device had 76 failures of excessive PIP compared to 2 failures by the BBVM.

Conclusion

The BBVM exceeded the Ambu Spur II in delivering appropriate V_ts and in keeping PIPs below target maximums to simulated adult and pediatric patients in this pilot study.

Ventilation in Simulated Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation Rarely Meets Guidelines

OBJECTIVE

The American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care recommend ventilation rates of eight to ten breaths per minute or two ventilations every 30 compressions, and tidal volumes between 500-600 ml. However, compliance with these guidelines is mainly unknown. The objective of this study is to estimate the proportion of simulated adult OHCA cases that meet guideline-based ventilation targets.

METHODS

We conducted a blinded prospective observational study of standardized simulated cases of EMS-witnessed adult OHCA. During scheduled training sessions, resuscitations were performed by high-quality CPR trained EMS teams composed of four on-duty, full-time EMT/Paramedics from a large urban fire-based EMS agency. A high-fidelity simulation center allowed complete audio and video monitoring from a control room. Rescuers were unaware of the study, or that ventilation practices were being observed. All interventions, including airway and ventilation strategies, were at the discretion of the clinical team. A calibrated Laerdal SimMan 3 G manikin and associated Laerdal Debrief Viewer software recorded ventilation rate, tidal volume, and minute ventilation. Simulations achieving median ventilation rate 7-10 breaths/min, tidal volume 500-600 ml, and minute ventilation 3.5-6 liters/min were considered meeting guideline-based targets.

RESULTS

A total of 106 EMS teams were included in the study. Only 3/106 [2.8% (95% CI: 0.6-8.0)] of the EMS teams demonstrated ventilation characteristics meeting all guideline-based targets. The median ventilation rate was 5.8 breaths/min (IQR 4.4-7.7 breaths/min) with 26/106 [24.5% (95% CI: 17.2-33.7)] between 7-10 breaths/min. The median tidal volume was 413.5 ml (IQR 280.5-555.4 ml), with 18/106 [17.0% (95% CI: 10.9-25.5)] between 500-600 ml. The median minute ventilation was 2.4 L/min (IQR 1.2-3.6 L/min) with 16/106 [15.1% (95% CI: 9.4-23.3)] between 3.5-6.0 L/min.

CONCLUSION

During simulated adult OHCA resuscitation attempts, ventilation practices rarely met guideline-based targets, despite being performed by well-trained EMS providers. Methods should be developed to monitor and ensure high-quality ventilation during actual OHCA resuscitation attempts.

Use of ventilation bag for the respiratory support during magnetic resonance imaging in Arnold-Chiari ventilated patients, a case report

Context: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an essential diagnostic tool for neuroimaging tissues such as the spinal cord. Unfortunately, the use of MRI may be limited in ventilated patients, who cannot maintain the supine position in spontaneous breathing for the whole duration of the exam (i.e. neuro-muscular patients with diaphragm involvement). The use of MRI-compatible ventilator during MRI could be a solution but they are not universally available. Furthermore, their performances are not up to those of the conventional ones and they are not always compatible with Non Invasive Ventilation (NIV). Findings: This case report describes an easy and low-cost solution to ventilate a patient non-invasively during the MRI procedure. The patient in this case was a 45-yr-old man, wheelchair-dependent and chronically ventilated in NIV with a forced vital capacity in supine position of 370 ml (10% of predicted normal), affected by Arnold-Chiari Syndrome, and in need of a MRI diagnostic control. Conclusion: The technique proposed, that does not affect the MRI images quality, consists in ventilating the patient using a simple nonmetallic Ventilation Bag, operated by a Respiratory Therapist. This has been proven a useful and economical solution for ventilatory support during MRI for a respiratory-dependent patient with Arnold-Chiari Syndrome.

Gastric insufflation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A study in human cadavers

INTRODUCTION

Bag-valve-mask ventilation is the first-line ventilation method during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Risks include excessive volume delivery and gastric insufflation, the latter increasing the risk of pneumonia. The efficacy of ventilation can also be reduced by airway closure. We hypothesized that continuous chest compression (CC) could limit the risk of gastric insufflation compared to the recommended 30:2 interrupted CC strategy. This experimental study was performed in human "Thiel" cadavers to assess the respective impact of discontinuous vs. continuous chest compressions on gastric insufflation and ventilation during CPR.

METHODS

The 30:2 interrupted CC technique was compared to continuous CC in 5 non-intubated cadavers over a 6 min-period. Flow and Airway Pressure were measured at the mask. A percutaneous gastrostomy allowed measuring the cumulative gastric insufflated volume. Two additional cadavers were equipped with esophageal and gastric catheters instead of the gastrostomy.

RESULTS

For the 7 cadavers studied (4 women) median age of death was 79 [74-84] years. After 6 min of CPR, the cumulative gastric insufflation measured in 5 cadavers was markedly reduced during continuous CC compared to the interrupted CC strategy: (1.0 [0.8-4.1] vs. 5.9 [4.0-5.6] L; p < 0.05) while expired minute ventilation was slightly higher during continuous than interrupted CC (1.9 [1.4-2.8] vs. 1.6 [1.1-2.7] L/min; P < 0.05). In 2 additional cadavers, the progressive rise in baseline gastric pressure was lower during continuous CC than interrupted CC (1 and 2 cmH₂O vs. 12 and 5.8 cmH₂O).

CONCLUSION

Continuous CC significantly reduces the volume of gas insufflated in the stomach compared to the recommended 30:2 interrupted CC strategy. Ventilation actually delivered to the lung is also slightly increased by the strategy.

Intentional tracheoesophageal fistula cannulation for gastric decompression in type C esophageal atresia

We describe a nonsurgical technique for managing gastric distention in infants with type C esophageal atresia, involving intubating the trachea with an umbilical catheter and entering the stomach through the fistula as soon as a flexible bronchoscope found its wide-open orifice. This technique might have a special role when gastric distention precedes other commonly used preventive measures.

Use of a Supraglottic Airway to Relieve Ventilation-Impeding Gastric Insufflation During Emergency Airway Management in an Infant

Positive-pressure bag-valve-mask ventilation during emergency airway management often results in significant gastric insufflation, which may impede adequate ventilation and oxygenation. Current-generation supraglottic airways have beneficial features, such as channels for gastric decompression while ventilation is ongoing. A 5-week-old female infant required resuscitation for hypoxemic respiratory failure caused by rhinovirus with pneumonia. Bag-valve-mask ventilation led to gastric insufflation that compromised ventilation, thereby interfering with intubation because of precipitous oxygen desaturation during laryngoscopy. A current-generation supraglottic airway (LMA Supreme; Teleflex Inc, Morrisville, NC) was used to facilitate gastric decompression while ventilation and oxygenation was ongoing. After gastric decompression, ventilation was markedly improved and the pulse oxygen saturation improved to 100%. Intubation was successful on the next attempt, without oxygen desaturation. Current-generation supraglottic airways have 3 distinct advantages compared with first-generation supraglottic airways, which make them better devices for emergency airway management: gastric decompression ports, conduits for intubation, and higher oropharyngeal leak pressures.

Update on cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines of interest to anesthesiologists

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The new cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines emphasize the importance of high-quality chest compressions and modify some routines. The objective of this report was to review the main changes in resuscitation practiced by anesthesiologists.

CONTENTS

The emphasis on high-quality chest compressions with adequate rate and depth allowing full recoil of the chest and with minimal interruptions is highlighted in this update. One should not take more than ten seconds checking the pulse before starting CPR. The universal relationship of 30:2 is maintained, modifying its order, initiating with chest compressions, followed by airways and breathing (C-A-B instead of A-B-C). The procedure "look, listen, and feel whether the patient is breathing" was removed from the algorithm, and the use of cricoid pressure during ventilations is not recommended any more. The rate of chest compressions was changed for at least one hundred per minute instead of approximately one hundred per minute, and its depth in adults was changed to 5 cm instead of the prior recommendation of 4 to 5 cm. The single shock is maintained, and it should be of 120 to 200 J when it is biphasic; and 360 J when it is monophasic. In advanced cardiac life support, the use of capnography and capnometry to confirm intubation and monitoring the quality of CPR is a formal recommendation. Atropine is no longer recommended for routine use in the treatment of pulseless electrical activity or asystole.

CONCLUSIONS

Updating the phases of the new CPR guidelines is important, and continuous learning is recommended. This will improve the quality of resuscitation and survival of patients in cardiac arrest.

Effects of stomach inflation on haemodynamic and pulmonary function during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in pigs

AIM

Stomach inflation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is frequent, but the effect on haemodynamic and pulmonary function is unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of clinically realistic stomach inflation on haemodynamic and pulmonary function during CPR in a porcine model.

METHODS

After baseline measurements ventricular fibrillation was induced in 21 pigs, and the stomach was inflated with 0L (n=7), 5L (n=7) or 10L air (n=7) before initiating CPR.

RESULTS

During CPR, 0, 5, and 10L stomach inflation resulted in higher mean pulmonary artery pressure [median (min-max)] [35 (28-40), 47 (25-50), and 51 (49-75) mmHg; P<0.05], but comparable coronary perfusion pressure [10 (2-20), 8 (4-35) and 5 (2-13) mmHg; P=0.54]. Increasing (0, 5, and 10L) stomach inflation decreased static pulmonary compliance [52 (38-98), 19 (8-32), and 12 (7-15) mL/cmH(2)O; P<0.05], and increased peak airway pressure [33 (27-36), 53 (45-104), and 103 (96-110) cmH(2)O; P<0.05). Arterial oxygen partial pressure was higher with 0L when compared with 5 and 10L stomach inflation [378 (88-440), 58 (47-113), and 54 (43-126) mmHg; P<0.05). Arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure was lower with 0L when compared with 5 and 10L stomach inflation [30 (24-36), 41(34-51), and 56 (45-68) mmHg; P<0.05]. Return of spontaneous circulation was comparable between groups (5/7 in 0L, 4/7 in 5L, and 3/7 in 10L stomach inflation; P=0.56).

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing levels of stomach inflation had adverse effects on haemodynamic and pulmonary function, indicating an acute abdominal compartment syndrome in this CPR model.

Airway management for the uninitiated

The 21(st) century has witnessed burgeoning interest in airway management. Pertinent basic sciences are covered in numerous texts and lectures. This article presents clinical information required to perform airway management. It serves as a primer for those interested in learning airway management skills. It does not replace extensive practice under the tutelage of expert airway managers.

A comparison of the laryngeal mask airway with facemask and oropharyngeal airway for manual ventilation by critical care nurses in children

The laryngeal mask airway is included as a first line airway device during adult resuscitation by first responders. However, there is little evidence for its role in paediatric resuscitation. Using anaesthetised children as a model for paediatric cardiopulmonary arrest, we compared the ability of critical care nurses to manually ventilate the anaesthetised child via the laryngeal mask airway compared with the facemask and oropharyngeal airway. The airway devices were inserted in random order and chest expansion was measured using an ultrasound distance transducer. The critical care nurses were able to place the laryngeal mask airway and achieve successful ventilation in 82% of children compared to 70% using the facemask and oropharyngeal airway, although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.136). The median time to first successful breath using the laryngeal mask airway was 39 s compared to 25 s using the facemask (p < 0.001). In this group of nurses, we did not show a difference in ventilation via a laryngeal mask airway or facemask, although facemask ventilation was achieved more quickly.

Should the use of modified Jackson Rees T-piece breathing system be abandoned in preschool children?

BACKGROUND

The Jackson Rees breathing system is commonly used for bag and mask ventilation in preschool children, although the lack of a pressure release valve can increase the risk of gastric insufflation. Therefore, we investigated the impact of bag and mask ventilation with a Jackson Rees system on functional residual capacity (FRC) and ventilation homogeneity and evaluated the effect of the level of training of the anesthesiologist in charge.

METHODS

Functional residual capacity and ventilation homogeneity were measured in 74 children (1-6 years) undergoing general surgery and the level of training of the anesthesiologist was recorded. FRC was measured (i) after intubation and (ii) after gastric emptying. Sixty-four children were ventilated using a Jackson Rees system, whereas 10 children were ventilated using a circle system to compare these two breathing systems in the second phase of the protocol.

RESULTS

Functional residual capacity and ventilation homogeneity increased in all patients following gastric emptying with the highest improvement (25%) being observed when nurse students were in charge of the ventilation with the Jackson Rees system. The lowest changes in FRC and ventilation homogeneity were observed when pediatric consultants were in charge, whereas ventilation by the pediatric nurse anesthetists led to significant gastric gas insufflation. However, the circle system was associated with significantly less gastric insufflation than the Jackson Rees system.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy of bag and mask ventilation was highly dependent on the training of the anesthesiologist with consultants demonstrating significantly better skills than any of the other groups. As the circle system is associated with a much steeper learning curve than the Jackson Rees system, its use in daily routine practice may prevent ventilatory impairment induced by gastric insufflation.

The use of impedance respirometry to confirm tracheal intubation in children

Accidental oesophageal intubation can occur in children and is a cause of morbidity and mortality. This study investigated the use of impedance respirometry to determine tracheal tube position in children aged 1-10 years. Eighty children were recruited and, after induction of anaesthesia, two identical tracheal tubes were inserted: one into the trachea and one into the oesophagus. The breathing system was attached to one of the tubes chosen at random. A blinded observer was asked to identify the position of the tube within six breaths using impedance respirometry. The positions of 76 out of 80 tubes were correctly identified. Of those incorrectly identified, one was in the trachea and three were in the oesophagus. The sensitivity of the test was 0.975 and the specificity 0.925. The median number of breaths needed to identify the position of the tubes was 2.0 for both groups. This is not a perfect technique in the population studied but when used with other methods of tracheal tube position identification, its use could decrease the time taken to identify incorrect placement.

Comparison of mouth-to-mouth, mouth-to-mask and mouth-to-face-shield ventilation by lay persons

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

A prospective randomised study on 70 volunteers without previous first aid education (42 males, 28 females, mean age 17) was performed to compare mouth-to-mouth ventilation (MMV, n = 24) versus mouth-to-pocket-mask ventilation (MPV, n = 25) and mouth-to-face-shield ventilation (MFV, n =21), and to evaluate if an instruction period of 10 min would be sufficient to teach lay persons artificial ventilation. Every volunteer performed three ventilation series using a bench model of an unprotected airway.

RESULTS

MMV and MPV show higher mean tidal volume (TV) than MFV (values of series 3: 976 +/- 454 and 868 +/- 459 versus 604 +/- 328 ml, P = 0.002 and P = 0.025, respectively). We found a higher inter-individual variation in TV than in previous studies (P = 0.031). The recommended TV of 700-1000 ml was reached in only 23%, most frequently with MPV (MMV 16.7%, MPV 32%, MFV 19%) but the difference was not significant (P = 0.391). However, we found a significantly higher percentage with a TV below 700 ml with MFV (MMV 33.3%, MPV 36%, MFV 66.7% P = 0.047) and a significantly higher percentage of TV exceeding 1000 ml with MMV (MMV 50%, MPV 32%, MFV 14.3%) (P = 0.039). "Stomach" inflation was highest with MMV (79.2%) followed by MPV (52%) and MFV (42.9%) (P = 0.034). We found further differences between the sexes; males produced a higher TV (P = 0.003) and a higher percentage of stomach inflation (P = 0.029).

CONCLUSION

MPV showed the best ventilation quality. It resulted in a more adequate TV than MMV and MFV and lower stomach inflation than MMV. Only a relatively low percentage of ventilations were within the recommended range for TV and this may be related to the short training duration. We found different performances between the sexes, a high inter-individual variation and mainly a low ventilation quality. Therefore, further studies have to focus more on teaching duration, sex differences and ventilation quality.

International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) consensus on science with treatment recommendations for pediatric and neonatal patients: pediatric basic and advanced life support

This publication contains the pediatric and neonatal sections of the 2005 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations (COSTR). The consensus process that produced this document was sponsored by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). ILCOR was formed in 1993 and consists of representatives of resuscitation councils from all over the world. Its mission is to identify and review international science and knowledge relevant to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC) and to generate consensus on treatment recommendations. ECC includes all responses necessary to treat life-threatening cardiovascular and respiratory events. The COSTR document presents international consensus statements on the science of resuscitation. ILCOR member organizations are each publishing resuscitation guidelines that are consistent with the science in this consensus document, but they also take into consideration geographic, economic, and system differences in practice and the regional availability of medical devices and drugs. The American Heart Association (AHA) pediatric and the American Academy of Pediatrics/AHA neonatal sections of the resuscitation guidelines are reprinted in this issue of Pediatrics (see pages e978-e988). The 2005 evidence evaluation process began shortly after publication of the 2000 International Guidelines for CPR and ECC. The process included topic identification, expert topic review, discussion and debate at 6 international meetings, further review, and debate within ILCOR member organizations and ultimate approval by the member organizations, an Editorial Board, and peer reviewers. The complete COSTR document was published simultaneously in Circulation (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. 2005 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations. Circulation. 2005;112(suppl):73-90) and Resuscitation (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. 2005 International Consensus Conference on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations. Resuscitation. 2005;67:271-291). Readers are encouraged to review the 2005 COSTR document in its entirety. It can be accessed through the CPR and ECC link at the AHA Web site: www.americanheart.org. The complete publication represents the largest evaluation of resuscitation literature ever published and contains electronic links to more detailed information about the international collaborative process. To organize the evidence evaluation, ILCOR representatives established 6 task forces: basic life support, advanced life support, acute coronary syndromes, pediatric life support, neonatal life support, and an interdisciplinary task force to consider overlapping topics such as educational issues. The AHA established additional task forces on stroke and, in collaboration with the American Red Cross, a task force on first aid. Each task force identified topics requiring evaluation and appointed international experts to review them. A detailed worksheet template was created to help the experts document their literature review, evaluate studies, determine levels of evidence, develop treatment recommendations, and disclose conflicts of interest. Two evidence evaluation experts reviewed all worksheets and assisted the worksheet reviewers to ensure that the worksheets met a consistently high standard. A total of 281 experts completed 403 worksheets on 275 topics, reviewing more than 22000 published studies. In December 2004 the evidence review and summary portions of the evidence evaluation worksheets, with worksheet author conflict of interest statements, were posted on the Internet at www.C2005.org, where readers can continue to access them. Journal advertisements and e-mails invited public comment. Two hundred forty-nine worksheet authors (141 from the United States and 108 from 17 other countries) and additional invited experts and reviewers attended the 2005 International Consensus Conference for presentation, discussion, and debate of the evidence. All 380 participants at the conference received electronic copies of the worksheets. Internet access was available to all conference participants during the conference to facilitate real-time verification of the literature. Expert reviewers presented topics in plenary, concurrent, and poster conference sessions with strict adherence to a novel and rigorous conflict of interest process. Presenters and participants then debated the evidence, conclusions, and draft summary statements. Wording of science statements and treatment recommendations was refined after further review by ILCOR member organizations and the international editorial board. This format ensured that the final document represented a truly international consensus process. The COSTR manuscript was ultimately approved by all ILCOR member organizations and by an international editorial board. The AHA Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee and the editor of Circulation obtained peer reviews of this document before it was accepted for publication. The most important changes in recommendations for pediatric resuscitation since the last ILCOR review in 2000 include: Increased emphasis on performing high quality CPR: "Push hard, push fast, minimize interruptions of chest compression; allow full chest recoil, and don't provide excessive ventilation" Recommended chest compression-ventilation ratio: For lone rescuers with victims of all ages: 30:2 For health care providers performing 2-rescuer CPR for infants and children: 15:2 (except 3:1 for neonates) Either a 2- or 1-hand technique is acceptable for chest compressions in children Use of 1 shock followed by immediate CPR is recommended for each defibrillation attempt, instead of 3 stacked shocks Biphasic shocks with an automated external defibrillator (AED) are acceptable for children 1 year of age. Attenuated shocks using child cables or activation of a key or switch are recommended in children <8 years old. Routine use of high-dose intravenous (IV) epinephrine is no longer recommended. Intravascular (IV and intraosseous) route of drug administration is preferred to the endotracheal route. Cuffed endotracheal tubes can be used in infants and children provided correct tube size and cuff inflation pressure are used. Exhaled CO2 detection is recommended for confirmation of endotracheal tube placement. Consider induced hypothermia for 12 to 24 hours in patients who remain comatose following resuscitation. Some of the most important changes in recommendations for neonatal resuscitation since the last ILCOR review in 2000 include less emphasis on using 100% oxygen when initiating resuscitation, de-emphasis of the need for routine intrapartum oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal suctioning for infants born to mothers with meconium staining of amniotic fluid, proven value of occlusive wrapping of very low birth weight infants <28 weeks' gestation to reduce heat loss, preference for the IV versus the endotracheal route for epinephrine, and an increased emphasis on parental autonomy at the threshold of viability. The scientific evidence supporting these recommendations is summarized in the neonatal document (see pages e978-e988).

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

This publication presents the 2005 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC) of the pediatric patient and the 2005 American Academy of Pediatrics/AHA guidelines for CPR and ECC of the neonate. The guidelines are based on the evidence evaluation from the 2005 International Consensus Conference on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations, hosted by the American Heart Association in Dallas, Texas, January 23-30, 2005. The "2005 AHA Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care" contain recommendations designed to improve survival from sudden cardiac arrest and acute life-threatening cardiopulmonary problems. The evidence evaluation process that was the basis for these guidelines was accomplished in collaboration with the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). The ILCOR process is described in more detail in the "International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations." The recommendations in the "2005 AHA Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care" confirm the safety and effectiveness of many approaches, acknowledge that other approaches may not be optimal, and recommend new treatments that have undergone evidence evaluation. These new recommendations do not imply that care involving the use of earlier guidelines is unsafe. In addition, it is important to note that these guidelines will not apply to all rescuers and all victims in all situations. The leader of a resuscitation attempt may need to adapt application of the guidelines to unique circumstances. The following are the major pediatric advanced life support changes in the 2005 guidelines: There is further caution about the use of endotracheal tubes. Laryngeal mask airways are acceptable when used by experienced providers. Cuffed endotracheal tubes may be used in infants (except newborns) and children in in-hospital settings provided that cuff inflation pressure is kept <20 cm H2O. Confirmation of tube placement requires clinical assessment and assessment of exhaled carbon dioxide (CO2); esophageal detector devices may be considered for use in children weighing >20 kg who have a perfusing rhythm. Correct placement must be verified when the tube is inserted, during transport, and whenever the patient is moved. During CPR with an advanced airway in place, rescuers will no longer perform "cycles" of CPR. Instead, the rescuer performing chest compressions will perform them continuously at a rate of 100/minute without pauses for ventilation. The rescuer providing ventilation will deliver 8 to 10 breaths per minute (1 breath approximately every 6-8 seconds). Timing of 1 shock, CPR, and drug administration during pulseless arrest has changed and now is identical to that for advanced cardiac life support. Routine use of high-dose epinephrine is not recommended. Lidocaine is de-emphasized, but it can be used for treatment of ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia if amiodarone is not available. Induced hypothermia (32-34 degrees C for 12-24 hours) may be considered if the child remains comatose after resuscitation. Indications for the use of inodilators are mentioned in the postresuscitation section. Termination of resuscitative efforts is discussed. It is noted that intact survival has been reported following prolonged resuscitation and absence of spontaneous circulation despite 2 doses of epinephrine. The following are the major neonatal resuscitation changes in the 2005 guidelines: Supplementary oxygen is recommended whenever positive-pressure ventilation is indicated for resuscitation; free-flow oxygen should be administered to infants who are breathing but have central cyanosis. Although the standard approach to resuscitation is to use 100% oxygen, it is reasonable to begin resuscitation with an oxygen concentration of less than 100% or to start with no supplementary oxygen (ie, start with room air). If the clinician begins resuscitation with room air, it is recommended that supplementary oxygen be available to use if there is no appreciable improvement within 90 seconds after birth. In situations where supplementary oxygen is not readily available, positive-pressure ventilation should be administered with room air. Current recommendations no longer advise routine intrapartum oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal suctioning for infants born to mothers with meconium staining of amniotic fluid. Endotracheal suctioning for infants who are not vigorous should be performed immediately after birth. A self-inflating bag, a flow-inflating bag, or a T-piece (a valved mechanical device designed to regulate pressure and limit flow) can be used to ventilate a newborn. An increase in heart rate is the primary sign of improved ventilation during resuscitation. Exhaled CO2 detection is the recommended primary technique to confirm correct endotracheal tube placement when a prompt increase in heart rate does not occur after intubation. The recommended intravenous (IV) epinephrine dose is 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg per dose. Higher IV doses are not recommended, and IV administration is the preferred route. Although access is being obtained, administration of a higher dose (up to 0.1 mg/kg) through the endotracheal tube may be considered. It is possible to identify conditions associated with high mortality and poor outcome in which withholding resuscitative efforts may be considered reasonable, particularly when there has been the opportunity for parental agreement. The following guidelines must be interpreted according to current regional outcomes: When gestation, birth weight, or congenital anomalies are associated with almost certain early death and when unacceptably high morbidity is likely among the rare survivors, resuscitation is not indicated. Examples are provided in the guidelines. In conditions associated with a high rate of survival and acceptable morbidity, resuscitation is nearly always indicated. In conditions associated with uncertain prognosis in which survival is borderline, the morbidity rate is relatively high, and the anticipated burden to the child is high, parental desires concerning initiation of resuscitation should be supported. Infants without signs of life (no heartbeat and no respiratory effort) after 10 minutes of resuscitation show either a high mortality rate or severe neurodevelopmental disability. After 10 minutes of continuous and adequate resuscitative efforts, discontinuation of resuscitation may be justified if there are no signs of life.

Effectiveness of ventilation-compression ratios 1:5 and 2:15 in simulated single rescuer paediatric resuscitation

Current guidelines for paediatric basic life support (BLS) recommend a ventilation-compression ratio of 1:5 during child resuscitation compared with 2:15 for adults, based on the consensus that ventilation is more important in paediatric than in adult BLS. We hypothesized that the ratio 2:15 would provide the same minute ventilation as 1:5 during single-rescuer paediatric BLS due to the reduced time required to change between ventilations and compressions. Fourteen lay rescuers were trained with both ratios and thereafter performed single rescuer BLS for approximately 4 min with each of the two ratios in random order on a child-sized manikin with a built-in respiratory monitor. Quality of chest compressions was assessed by measurement of the rate, depth and position. There were no significant differences in tidal volumes or minute ventilation between the ratios. Nearly all chest compressions were within acceptable limits for depth and place with both methods, but the mean number of chest compressions per minute was 48+/-15% greater with ratio 2:15. In conclusion, there was no difference in ventilation, but nearly one and a half times as many compressions with a ratio of 2:15 than 1:5 for lay rescuers during single rescuer paediatric CPR. In order to simplify CPR training for laypersons, we recommend a 2:15 ratio for both single- and two-person, adult and paediatric layperson BLS.

Airway and ventilation management

Airway management is fundamental to ACLS. Success with any airway device relies as much on the operator's experience and skill as on the device itself. The purpose of using an airway device is to provide a patent route for ventilating the lungs and to protect against pulmonary aspiration. Training should emphasize the importance of confirming that the airway device is positioned correctly and that the lungs can be ventilated effectively. If airway intervention is to have a positive effect on outcome, the choice of airway device is less important than thorough training, ongoing experience and review, and close attention to complications. Regardless of whether a provider chooses to use the LMA, the combitube, or the tracheal tube, providers must be familiar with more than one method of airway management because of the possibility of failure to insert or ventilate with their primary airway device of choice.

Part 9: pediatric basic life support. European Resuscitation Council

The epidemiology and outcome of pediatric cardiopulmonary arrest and the priorities, techniques, and sequence of pediatric resuscitation assessments and intervention differ from those of adults. Current guidelines have been updated after extensive multinational evidence-based review and discussion over several years. Areas of controversy in current guidelines and recommendations made by consensus are detailed. A large degree of uniformity exists in the current guidelines advocated by the AHA, Council on Latin American Resuscitation, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, European Resuscitation Council, Australian Resuscitation Council, and Resuscitation Council of Southern Africa. Differences are currently based on local and regional preferences, training networks, and customs rather than scientific controversy. Unresolved issues with potential for future universal application are highlighted.

"Bystander" chest compressions and assisted ventilation independently improve outcome from piglet asphyxial pulseless "cardiac arrest"

BACKGROUND

Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) without assisted ventilation may be as effective as CPR with assisted ventilation for ventricular fibrillatory cardiac arrests. However, chest compressions alone or ventilation alone is not effective for complete asphyxial cardiac arrests (loss of aortic pulsations). The objective of this investigation was to determine whether these techniques can independently improve outcome at an earlier stage of the asphyxial process.

METHODS AND RESULTS

After induction of anesthesia, 40 piglets (11.5+/-0.3 kg) underwent endotracheal tube clamping (6.8+/-0.3 minutes) until simulated pulselessness, defined as aortic systolic pressure <50 mm Hg. For the 8-minute "bystander CPR" period, animals were randomly assigned to chest compressions and assisted ventilation (CC+V), chest compressions only (CC), assisted ventilation only (V), or no bystander CPR (control group). Return of spontaneous circulation occurred during the first 2 minutes of bystander CPR in 10 of 10 CC+V piglets, 6 of 10 V piglets, 4 of 10 CC piglets, and none of the controls (CC+V or V versus controls, P<0.01; CC+V versus CC and V combined, P=0.01). During the first minute of CPR, arterial and mixed venous blood gases were superior in the 3 experimental groups compared with the controls. Twenty-four-hour survival was similarly superior in the 3 experimental groups compared with the controls (8 of 10, 6 of 10, 5 of 10, and 0 of 10, P<0.05 each).

CONCLUSIONS

Bystander CPR with CC+V improves outcome in the early stages of apparent pulseless asphyxial cardiac arrest. In addition, this study establishes that bystander CPR with CC or V can independently improve outcome.

Simulated mouth-to-mouth ventilation and chest compressions (bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation) improves outcome in a swine model of prehospital pediatric asphyxial cardiac arrest

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of four methods of simulated single-rescuer bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a clinically relevant swine model of prehospital pediatric asphyxial cardiac arrest.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized study.

SUBJECTS

Thirty-nine anesthetized domestic piglets.

INTERVENTIONS

Asphyxial cardiac arrest was produced by clamping the endotracheal tubes of the piglets. For 8 mins of simulated bystander CPR, animals were randomly assigned to the following groups: group 1, chest compressions and simulated mouth-to-mouth ventilation (FI(O2) = 0.17, FI(CO2) = 0.04) (CC+V); group 2, chest compressions only (CC); group 3, simulated mouth-to-mouth ventilation only (V); and group 4, no CPR (control group). Standard advanced life support was then provided, simulating paramedic arrival. Animals that were successfully resuscitated received 1 hr of intensive care support and were observed for 24 hrs.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Electrocardiogram, aortic blood pressure, right atrial blood pressure, and end-tidal CO2 were monitored continuously until the intensive care period ended. Arterial and mixed venous blood gases were measured at baseline, 1 min after cardiac arrest, and 7 mins after cardiac arrest. Minute ventilation was determined during each minute of bystander CPR. Survival and neurologic outcome were determined. Twenty-four-hour survival was attained in eight of 10 group 1 (CC+V) piglets vs. three of 14 group 2 (CC) piglets (p < or = .01), one of seven group 3 (V) piglets (p < or = .05), and two of eight group 4 (control) piglets (p < or = .05). Twenty-four-hour neurologically normal survival occurred in seven of 10 group 1 (CC+V) piglets vs. one of 14 group 2 (CC) piglets (p < or = .01), one of seven group 3 (V) piglets (p < or = .05), and none of eight group 4 (control) piglets (p < or = .01). Arterial oxygenation and pH were markedly better during CPR in group 1 than in group 2. Within 5 mins of bystander CPR, six of 10 group 1 (CC+V) piglets attained sustained return of spontaneous circulation vs. only two of 14 group 2 (CC) piglets and none of the piglets in the other two groups (p < or = .05 for all groups).

CONCLUSIONS

In this pediatric asphyxial model of prehospital single-rescuer bystander CPR, chest compressions plus simulated mouth-to-mouth ventilation improved systemic oxygenation, coronary perfusion pressures, early return of spontaneous circulation, and 24-hr survival compared with the other three approaches.