Initial ventilation strategies during newborn resuscitation.
Ventilation alone is usually effective in most neonatal resuscitation episodes. A review of the evidence underpinning recommendations for methods and devices for providing initial ventilation during newborn resuscitation was conducted. Self-inflating bags, flow-inflating (anesthesia) bags, and T-piece devices all may be used to provide effective ventilation after birth, with none clearly superior. Whichever method is used, ventilation is likely to be delivered more consistently if a pressure-monitoring device is incorporated. The best indication of successful ventilation is a prompt increase in heart rate. The role of positive end-expiratory pressure during resuscitation requires further research, particularly in preterm infants, in whom it may protect against lung injury.
Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SU UK. Ben.stenson@luht.scot.nhs.uk
Benjamin J
BJ
Stenson
David W
DW
Boyle
Edgardo G
EG
Szyld
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001238:Asphyxia Neonatorum / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena