Neonatal Resuscitation

Neonatal resuscitation is a series of emergency procedures performed by a neonatologist to support newborn babies who are not breathing, are gasping or have a weak heartbeat at birth.

Pediatric Resuscitation has recommended that resuscitation of newborns should focus on ventilation of the lungs. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Heart Association (AHA) expressed a joint commitment to develop a training program aimed at neonatal resuscitation.

According to NRP guidelines the MR SOPA acronym to remind resuscitators to initiate ventilation corrective steps: M (mask adjustment), R (reposition airway), S (suction mouth and nose), O (open mouth), P (pressure increase), A (alternate airway).

If the newborn starts breathing, becomes pink and has a heart rate of > 100 bpm, post resuscitation care must be given. If heart rate is > 60 bpm, then support of the circulation by chest compression and positive pressure ventilation must be continued till the heart rate reaches > 100 bpm and the newborn becomes pink.

Reasons for Neonatal resuscitation:

  • Lack of prenatal care.
  • Gestational age < 36 weeks or ≥ 41 weeks.
  • Multiple gestations.
  • Need for forceps, vacuum assist or emergency cesarean delivery.
  • Meconium-stained fluid.
  • Shoulder dystocia, breech, or other abnormal presentation.
  • Certain abnormal heart rate patterns in the fetus.
  • Signs of infection in the infant.

Treatment should be provided longer than 30 Minutes . A new study has found that keeping resuscitation efforts going for longer could improve brain function in survivors.

Submit Abstract
"