Use of Initial Endotracheal Versus Intravenous Epinephrine During Neonatal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in the Delivery Room: Review of a National Database.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether initial epinephrine administration by endotracheal tube (ET) in newly born infants receiving chest compressions and epinephrine in the delivery room (DR) is associated with lower rates of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) than newborns receiving initial intravenous (IV) epinephrine. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective review of neonates receiving chest compressions and epinephrine in the DR from the AHA Get With The Guidelines-Resuscitation registry from October 2013 through July 2020. Neonates were classified according to initial route of epinephrine (ET vs IV). The primary outcome of interest was ROSC in the DR. RESULTS: In total, 408 infants met inclusion criteria; of these, 281 (68.9%) received initial ET epinephrine and 127 (31.1%) received initial IV epinephrine. The initial ET epinephrine group included those infants who also received subsequent IV epinephrine when ET epinephrine failed to achieve ROSC. Comparing initial ET with initial IV epinephrine, ROSC was achieved in 70.1% vs 58.3% (adjusted risk difference 10.02; 95% CI 0.05-19.99). ROSC was achieved in 58.3% with IV epinephrine alone, and 47.0% with ET epinephrine alone, with 40.0% receiving subsequent IV epinephrine. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that initial use of ET epinephrine is reasonable during DR resuscitation, as there were greater rates of ROSC compared with initial IV epinephrine administration. However, administration of IV epinephrine should not be delayed in those infants not responding to initial ET epinephrine, as almost one-half of infants who received initial ET epinephrine subsequently received IV epinephrine before achieving ROSC.

In Situ Simulation and Clinical Outcomes in Infants Born Preterm.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate impact of a multihospital collaborative quality improvement project implementing in situ simulation training for neonatal resuscitation on clinical outcomes for infants born preterm. STUDY DESIGN: Twelve neonatal intensive care units were divided into 4 cohorts; each completed a 15-month long program in a stepped wedge manner. Data from California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Infants with very low birth weight between 22 through 31 weeks gestation were included. Primary outcome was survival without chronic lung disease (CLD); secondary outcomes included intubation in the delivery room, delivery room continuous positive airway pressure, hypothermia (<36°C) upon neonatal intensive care unit admission, severe intraventricular hemorrhage, and mortality before hospital discharge. A mixed effects multivariable regression model was used to assess the intervention effect. RESULTS: Between March 2017 and December 2020, a total of 2626 eligible very low birth weight births occurred at 12 collaborative participating sites. Rate of survival without CLD at participating sites was 74.1% in March to August 2017 and 76.0% in July to December 2020 (risk ratio 1.03; [0.94-1.12]); no significant improvement occurred during the study period for both participating and nonparticipating sites. The effect of in situ simulation on all secondary outcomes was stable. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a multihospital collaborative providing in situ training for neonatal resuscitation did not result in significant improvement in survival without CLD. Ongoing in situ simulations may have an impact on unit practice and unmeasured outcomes.

Reanimación neonatal en sala de partos en Villa Clara / Neonatal resuscitation in the delivery room in Villa Clara province

Introducción: La pérdida de bienestar fetal perinatal es la situación que con mayor frecuencia condiciona la necesidad de reanimación cardiopulmonar del recién nacido en el momento del parto. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los neonatos reanimados en la sala de partos. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación de desarrollo, descriptivo, observacional, retrospectivo, en el Hospital Provincial Universitario Ginecoobstétrico Mariana Grajales de Santa Clara desde enero de 2017 a diciembre de 2021. La muestra coincidió con el universo y estuvo compuesta por 106 neonatos que obtuvieron una puntuación de Apgar bajo (inferior a siete), evaluado al primer minuto después del nacimiento que requirieron alguna maniobra de reanimación neonatal en la sala de partos. Se empleó cálculo de frecuencias absoluta y relativa, además de contraste de proporciones mediante Chi-Cuadrado para las variables cualitativas como resultado de esta prueba. Resultados: Fueron más frecuentes los recién nacidos con peso normal (75,5 por ciento), al término de la gestación (65,1 por ciento) y del sexo masculino (61,3 por ciento). La cesárea como vía final del parto (51,9 por ciento) y la presencia de líquido amniótico meconial; fueron variables con mayor porcentaje dentro de las variables perinatales seleccionadas. El 8,5 por ciento de los neonatos reanimados fallecieron. Conclusiones: Las variables clínicas y epidemiológicas más frecuentes en el estudio coincidieron con la literatura consultada. La mayoría de los neonatos reanimados sobrevivieron(AU)

Introduction: Perinatal loss of fetal well-being is the situation that most frequently creates the need for newborn cardiopulmonary resuscitation at delivery. Objective: To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of neonates resuscitated in the delivery room. Methods: A developmental, descriptive, observational, retrospective and descriptive research was carried out at Mariana Grajales Gynecobstetric University Provincial Hospital, of Santa Clara (Villa Clara Province, Cuba), from January 2017 to December 2021. The sample coincided with the universe and was made up of 106 neonates with low Apgar score (lower than seven), evaluated at the first minute after birth, who required some neonatal resuscitation maneuver in the delivery room. Calculation of absolute and relative frequencies was used, as well as contrast of proportions by chi-square for qualitative variables resulting from this test. Results: Newborns with normal weight (75.5 percent), at term (65.1 percent) and male (61.3 percent) were more frequent. Cesarean section as the final route of delivery (51.9 percent) and the presence of meconium amniotic fluid were the variables with the highest percentage from among the selected perinatal variables. 8.5 percent of the resuscitated neonates died. Conclusions: The most frequent clinical and epidemiological variables in the study coincided with the consulted literature. Most of the resuscitated neonates survived(AU)

Dystocia and cesarean section in a free-ranging ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) after traumatic spinal cord injury resulting from dog (Canis familiaris) attack.

Background: Ex situ breeding programs are essential to establish genetic resource banks and produce offspring to strengthen the in situ conservation of endangered species. However, many programs fail to maintain viable ex situ populations due to reproductive problems, including dystocia in pregnant females. Dystocia encompasses different emergency obstetric situations for the lives of dams and fetuses that require urgent intervention. This condition has been studied in domesticated species but published records in wildlife, specifically in felines species, are scarce. Case Description: An adult female ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) was referred to the wildlife hospital of the Universidad San Francisco de Quito after being attacked by dogs (Canis familiaris). Neurological tests revealed traumatic spinal cord injury at a thoracolumbar level. Complementary tests (laboratory exams, radiographs, and ultrasound) revealed a full-term pregnancy, failure in the labor progress, and critical fetal stress. A cesarean section was performed, and the newborns received resuscitation care after assessing their viability using the Apgar score system. The neonate with the lowest Apgar score died within the first hour after birth, while the second one showed an increase in Apgar score after resuscitation care and survived the procedure. Conclusion: We provide new obstetric data that could be relevant to save the lives of dams and newborns in related cases for ocelots and other species of wild felids. Furthermore, this study confirms the adverse effects that domestic dogs have on wildlife species.

Delivery Room Management of Infants with Very Low Birth Weight in 3 European Countries-The Video Apgar Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess delivery room management of infants born preterm at 4 Level III perinatal centers in 3 European countries. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective, multicenter observational study. Management at birth was video-recorded and evaluated (Interact version 9.6.1; Mangold-International, Arnstorf, Germany). Data were analyzed and compared within and between centers. RESULTS: The infants (n = 138) differed significantly with respect to the median (25%, 75%) birth weight (grams) (Center A: 1200 [700, 1550]; Center B: 990 [719, 1240]; Center C: 1174 [835, 1435]; Center D: 1323 [971, 1515] [B vs A, C, D: P < .05]), gestational week (Center A: 28.4 [26.3, 30.0]; Center B: 27.9 [26.7, 29.6]; Center C: 29.3 [26.4, 31.0]; Center D: 30.3 [28.0, 31.9]), Apgar scores, rates of cesarean delivery, and time spent in the delivery room. Management differed significantly for frequency and drying time, rates of electrocardiographic monitoring, suctioning or stimulation, and for fundamental interventions such as time for achieving a reliable peripheral oxygen saturation signal (seconds) (Center A: 97.6 ± 79.3; Center B: 65.1 ± 116.2; Center C: 97.1 ± 67.0; Center D: 114.4 ± 140.5; B vs A, C, D: P < .001) and time for intubation (seconds) (Center A: 48.7 ± 4.2; Center B: 49.0 ± 30.7; Center C: 69.1 ±37.9; Center D: 65.1 ± 23.8; B vs D, P < .025). Mean procedural times did not meet guideline recommendations. The sequence of interventions was similar at all centers. CONCLUSIONS: The Video Apgar Study showed great variability in and between 4 neonatal centers in Europe. The study also showed it is difficult to adhere to published guidelines for recommended times for important, basic measures such as peripheral oxygen saturation measurements and intubation.

Teaching Helping Babies Breathe via Telehealth: A New Application in Rural Guatemala.

BACKGROUND: Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) is a neonatal resuscitation curriculum that teaches life-saving interventions utilized in the first minutes after birth, reducing morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, it requires in-person facilitators for didactic and hands-on training. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to offer HBB to nurses and nursing students in Guatemala, with the lead facilitator presenting concepts via telehealth and in-person facilitators providing hands-on demonstration. METHODS: Learners completed pre- and post-tests that included the standard HBB knowledge check, as well as an assessment of the course teaching model. Learners also completed the standard Objective Structured Clinical Evaluations (OSCEs). RESULTS: Eighteen learners were included in the analysis. All but one learner (94%) passed the course, and the average percent improvement from the pre- to post-test was 12%. All learners achieved passing scores on the OSCEs. Learners responded positively to questions regarding the technology, connection with the instructor, and ability to ask questions. Ninety-four percent of the learners agreed with the statement "this lecture was as good via telehealth as in person." A cost analysis demonstrated approximately USD 3,979.00 in savings using telehealth compared to a standard in-person course. CONCLUSIONS: The telehealth model was successful in delivering course material to the learners and was well received. This model represents a cost-effective way to improve access to HBB. This study may not be generalizable to other populations, and the ability to use telehealth requires reliable internet connectivity, which may not be available in all settings. Further study and expansion of this pilot are needed to assess success in other settings.

Effect of low-cost interventions on the retention of knowledge and skills following Helping Babies Breathe training.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a post-Helping Babies Breathe bundle of interventions on the retention of provider-level knowledge and skills. METHOD: The present prospective pre-post study following a 1-day Helping Babies Breathe training of professional midwives, physicians, and nurses was conducted in Cajamarca Province, Peru between January 1 and July 31, 2017. The interventions to improve retention included structured worksite practice before every shift, weekly in-service simulated scenarios, and monthly supervised peer-to-peer abbreviated refresher trainings. Knowledge and skills were assessed before, immediately after, and 6 months after training using two validated multiple-choice knowledge test and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs; OSCE A and OSCE B). Data were analyzed for changes in knowledge and skills over time and to identify predictors of performance. RESULTS: There were 60 learners included. No significant differences were observed between assessments immediately after training and at 6-month follow-up for knowledge scores or time-to-effective-ventilation. Pass rates for OSCE B increased from 83% immediately after training to 95% at follow-up (P=0.007). The only factor associated with a reduced time to effective ventilation at 6-month follow-up was working in a hospital (P<0.001), accounting for years of training and experience. CONCLUSION: Helping Babies Breathe knowledge and skills can be retained and even improved with simple, inexpensive interventions, including supervised on-the-job and peer-to-peer training.

T-piece versus self-inflating bag ventilation in preterm neonates at birth.

OBJECTIVE: To verify whether the use of the T-piece resuscitator compared with the self-inflating bag in preterm infants ventilated at birth modifies survival to hospital discharge without major morbidities. DESIGN: Pragmatic prospective cohort study. SETTING: 20 Brazilian university hospitals of Brazilian Network on Neonatal Research. Patients were 1962 inborn infants in 2014-2015 ventilated at birth with 23-33' weeks gestation and birth weight 400-1499 g without malformations. Patients transferred until the 27th day after birth were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: Positive pressure ventilation at birth with T-piece resuscitator or self-inflating bag without positive end expiratory pressure valve. Intervention with ventilation followed the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics guidelines. The choice of the equipment was at the neonatologist's discretion in each delivery. The main outcome measures were survival to hospital discharge without bronchopulmonary dysplasia, severe peri-intraventricular haemorrhage and periventricular leucomalacia. Logistic regression adjusted for confounding variables was applied for main outcome. RESULTS: 1456 (74%) were only ventilated with T-piece resuscitator and 506 (26%) with the self-inflating bag. The characteristics of those ventilated with T-Piece resuscitator versus self-inflating bag were birth weight 969 ± 277 vs 941 ± 279 g, gestational age 28.2±2.5 vs 27.8±2.7 weeks and survival to hospital discharge without major morbidities 47% vs 35%. Logistic regression adjusted for maternal characteristics, obstetric and neonatal morbidities showed that the T-piece resuscitator increased the chance of survival to hospital discharge without major morbidities (OR=1.38; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.80; Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit: 0.695). CONCLUSION: This study is the first that highlights the effectiveness of T-piece resuscitator ventilation in improving relevant outcomes in preterm neonates.

Collaborative Implementation Strategy for Newborn Resuscitation and Essential Care Training in the Dominican Republic.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal mortality accounts for 45% of under-5 mortality worldwide, with 98% of newborn deaths occurring in developing countries. The Dominican Republic (DR) demonstrates one of the highest neonatal mortality rates in Latin America despite broad access to care. Strategies to support professional capacity building and strengthen the local health care system are needed to improve neonatal outcomes in the DR. RATIONALE: Helping babies breathe (HBB) and essential care for every baby (ECEB) are evidence-based newborn resuscitation and essential care training programs that have been shown to improve providers' confidence, knowledge, and clinical skills. Lack of professional support and infrequent resuscitation skills practice are commonly cited as barriers to skill retention after HBB training, while establishment of program mentoring and regular skills refreshers are associated with retention of clinical knowledge and skills and improved clinical performance and outcomes. Global partnerships to facilitate implementation of a comprehensive newborn resuscitation and essential care training program with ongoing clinical and program mentorship in the DR should have a lasting impact on workforce capacity, quality of care, and clinical outcomes. METHODS: A multidisciplinary, international group of clinicians partnered with the Ministry of Health to design and implement a comprehensive newborn health initiative in the DR. A train-the-trainer model structured the regional rollout of a combined HBB/ECEB program with integrated quality improvement (QI) initiatives and systems for ongoing program monitoring, reinforcement, and mentorship. Cognitive, affective, behavioral, and clinical outcomes are being measured. RESULTS: Seventeen local champions representing six hospitals participated in the HBB/ECEB master trainer course and design of a QI tool for site-specific clinical performance monitoring. One hundred seventy-eight and 171 providers participated in HBB and ECEB courses, respectively, at pilot sites during the following year. Participants completed prior training need assessment, pre-/post-knowledge assessments and course evaluations. Program mentorship and monitoring of continuing education and clinical performance are ongoing. The Ministry of Health has assumed responsibility for program sustainability and current scale-up, including integration of maternal resuscitation training. CONCLUSION: International partnerships facilitated the collaborative implementation of scalable, locally sustainable newborn resuscitation and essential care training in the DR, mobilizing local resources and empowering the workforce to capably pursue improved care of an exceedingly vulnerable community.

Efficacy of Intravenous and Endotracheal Epinephrine during Neonatal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in the Delivery Room.

A retrospective examination is presented of intravenous vs a lower (0.03?mg/kg) and higher (0.05?mg/kg) dose of endotracheal epinephrine during delivery room cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Repeated dosing of intravenous and endotracheal epinephrine is needed frequently for successful resuscitation. Research regarding optimal dosing for both routes is needed critically.

Continuous training and certification in neonatal resuscitation in remote areas using a multi-platform information and communication technology intervention, compared to standard training: A randomized cluster trial study protocol.

Background: About 10% of all newborns may have difficulty breathing and require support by trained personnel. In Peru, 90% of deliveries occur in health facilities. However, there is not a national neonatal resuscitation and certification program for the public health sector. In addition, the Andes and the Amazon regions concentrate large rural remote areas, which further limit the implementation of training programs and the accomplishment of continuous certification. Neonatal resuscitation training through the use of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) tools, running on computers, tablets or mobile phones, may overcome such limitations. This strategy allows online and offline access to educational resources, paving the way to more frequent and efficient training, and certification processes. Objective: To evaluate the effects of a neonatal resuscitation training and certification program that uses a Multi-Platform ICT (MP-ICT) strategy on neonatal health care in remote areas. Methods: We propose to conduct the study through a cluster-randomized trial, where the study and analysis unit is the health care facility. Eligible facilities will include primary and secondary health care level facilities that are located in provinces with neonatal mortality rates higher than 15 per 1,000 live births. We will compare the proportion of newborns with a heart rate ≥100 beats per minute at two minutes after birth in health care facilities that receive MP-ICT training and certification implementation, with those that receive standard training and certification. Discussion: We expect that the intervention will be shown as more effective than the current standard of care. We are prepared to include it within a national neonatal resuscitation training and certification program to be implemented at national scale together with policymakers and other key stakeholders.  Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Nº NCT03210194 Status of the study: This study is ongoing. Study protocol version 1.1 - March 31st, 2017.

Actualización en reanimación neonatal / Update on neonatal resuscitation

Se presentan los cambios más importantes que se han hecho en el Programa de Reanimación Neonatal, los cuales están basados en 5 años de una revisión rigurosa y en la mejor evidencia. Han sido realizadas por el International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation y reflejado en su Consensus on Science and Treatment Recommendations(AU)

The most important changes in the Neonatal Resuscitation Program, which are based on 5 years of rigorous review and on best evidence, were presented. They have been made by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation and stated in its Consensus on Science and Treatment Recommendations(AU)

Time Perception during Neonatal Resuscitation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of time perception during a simulated complex neonatal resuscitation. STUDY DESIGN: Participants in 5 neonatal resuscitation program courses were directly involved in a complex simulation scenario. They were asked to assume the role of team leader, assistant 1, or assistant 2. At the end of the scenario, each participant completed a questionnaire on perceived time intervals for key resuscitation interventions. During the scenario, actual times were documented by an external observer and video recorded for later review. In addition, participants were asked to evaluate their self-perceived level of stress and preparation. RESULTS: Health care providers (68 physicians and 40 nurses) were involved in 36 scenarios. Perceived time intervals for the initiation of key resuscitation interventions were shorter than the actual time intervals, regardless of the participant's role in the scenario. Self-assessed levels of stress and preparation did not influence time perception. CONCLUSIONS: Health care providers underestimate the passage of time, irrespective of their role in a simulated complex neonatal resuscitation. Participant's self-assessed levels of stress and preparation were not related to the accuracy of their time perception. These findings highlight the importance of assigning a dedicated individual to document interventions and the passage of time during a neonatal resuscitation.

Educational outcomes of Helping Babies Breathe training at a community hospital in Honduras.

OBJECTIVES: Helping Babies Breathe is an evidence-based curriculum designed to teach basic neonatal resuscitation in low-resource countries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acquisition of knowledge and skills following this training and correlation of learner characteristics to performance in a Spanish-speaking setting. METHODS: Thirty-one physicians and 39 nurses completed Helping Babies Breathe training at a Honduran community hospital. Trainee knowledge and skills were evaluated before and after the training using a multiple-choice questionnaire, bag-mask ventilation skills test, and two objective structured clinical exams (OSCEs). Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze assessment scores pre- and post-training by profession (physician or nurse) while controlling for covariates. RESULTS: Helping Babies Breathe training resulted in significant increases in mean scores for the multiple-choice question test, bag-mask ventilation skills test, and OSCE B. Time to initiation of effective bag-mask ventilation decreased from a mean of 74.8 to 68.4 s. Despite this improvement in bag-mask ventilation, only 42 % of participants were able to initiate effective bag-mask ventilation within the Golden Minute. Although physicians scored higher on the pre-test multiple-choice questions and bag-mask ventilation, nurses demonstrated a greater mean difference in scores after training. OSCE B scores pre- and post-training increased similarly between professions. Nurses' and physicians' performance in simulation was not significantly different after the training. Assessment scores and course feedback indicated a need for more skills practice, particularly with bag-mask ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: When evaluated immediately after an initial workshop, Helping Babies Breathe training resulted in significant gains in neonatal resuscitation knowledge and skills. Following training, nurses, who commonly do not perform these skills in real-life situations, were able to perform at a similar level to physicians. Further studies are necessary to determine how to sustain this knowledge and skills over time, tailor the course to learner characteristics, and whether this training translates into improvements in clinical practice.

Achieving targeted pulse oximetry values in preterm infants in the delivery room.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether resuscitation teams can better maintain newborn transitional oxygen saturation (SpO2) values within a prespecified target range using a graphical display of the targets and real-time SpO2 data compared with using only numerical oximeter values. STUDY DESIGN: Preterm neonates were enrolled in this prospective cohort evaluation of a change in practice. The Transitional Oxygen Targeting System (TOTS) plots real-time SpO2 values in relation to 10th and 50th percentile SpO2 curves, which provides a visual target. After introduction of the TOTS, the resuscitation team adjusted the fraction of inspired oxygen to maintain the SpO2 within the target range, and before its use neonates were resuscitated in attempt to target normal transitional SpO2 values without using the TOTS monitor. Duration of time within 10th-50th percentile values was compared between 2 cohorts, children evaluated with the TOTS and those not evaluated with the TOTS (controls). RESULTS: A total of 40 infants were enrolled, including 20 prospectively evaluated with the TOTS and 20 controls. Mean gestational age, birth weight, total resuscitation time, duration of supplemental oxygen administration, changes in oxygen concentration, and respiratory support provided were similar in the 2 groups. The TOTS cohort spent 52% of time within the target range; the control cohort, 37% (P = .03). CONCLUSION: SpO2 values were maintained within a specified target range for significantly longer in preterm neonates resuscitated using the TOTS display compared with those resuscitated without TOTS.

Influência do manuseio do balão autoinflável neonatal sobre o pico de pressão e o volume corrente / Peak pressure and tidal volume are affected by how the neonatal self-inflating bag is handled

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do manuseio do ventilador pulmonar manual neonatal com bolsa autoinflável sobre pico de pressão e volume corrente. MÉTODOS: Estudo experimental com 141 profissionais de saúde (médicos, médicos residentes, fisioterapeutas, enfermeiros e técnicos de enfermagem) que ventilaram um pulmão artificial ajustado para reproduzir o pulmão de um recém-nascido a termo, utilizando ventilador pulmonar manual autoinflável com cinco diferentes modos de manuseio: com as duas mãos (10 dedos) e com uma mão, utilizando cinco, quatro, três e dois dedos. Valores de pico de pressão e volume corrente foram registrados pelo pulmão artificial. RESULTADOS: Observou-se alta variabilidade nos valores das variáveis estudadas. A média do pico de pressão foi 39,73 cmH2O (IC95 por cento 37,32-42,13), variando de 2,5 a 106,3 cmH2O, e do volume foi 39,56 mL (IC95 por cento 36,86-42,25), variando de 4 a 88 mL. Não foi detectada influência significativa da profissão sobre as variáveis estudadas (p > 0,05). Observou-se que o modo de manuseio do ventilador pulmonar manual influenciou significativamente o pico de pressão e o volume corrente (p < 0,0001), que foram maiores quando o ventilador foi manuseado com as duas mãos. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria dos profissionais gerou pico de pressão e volume corrente muito elevados, principalmente quando foram empregadas as duas mãos para ventilar, aumentando o risco de barotrauma e volutrauma. Por outro lado, parte dos profissionais forneceu pressões e volumes tão baixos que seriam insuficientes para a adequada expansão pulmonar, podendo levar a hipoventilação. Tais riscos não dependeram da formação profissional.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how different ways of handling the neonatal self-inflating bag influence peak pressure and tidal volume. METHODS: This is an experimental study involving 141 different professionals (physicians, resident physicians, physiotherapists, nurses, and nursing technicians), who ventilated an artificial lung, adjusted to simulate the lung of a term neonate, using a self-inflating bag. Each professional handled the ventilator in five different ways: a) using both hands (10 fingers); and, with only one hand, b) five fingers, c) four fingers, d) three fingers, and e) two fingers. Peak pressure and tidal volume data were recorded by the artificial lung equipment. RESULTS: Both variables showed high variability, from 2.5 to 106.3 cmH2O (mean = 39.73 cmH2O; 95 percentCI 37.32-42.13) for peak pressure, and from to 4 to 88 mL (mean = 39.56 mL; 95 percentCI 36.86-42.25) for tidal volume. There was no significant influence of the profession on any of the variables (p > 0.05). However, bag handling significantly influenced both peak pressure and tidal volume (p < 0.0001), which were higher when the operator used both hands. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that most professionals delivered excessively high peak pressures and tidal volumes, which could increase the risk of barotrauma and volutrauma, especially when both hands were used to ventilate. On the other hand, a small number of professionals delivered insufficient pressure and volume for adequate lung expansion and ventilation. The delivery of inadequate ventilation was not dependent on profession.

Reanimación neonatal: ¿qué hay de nuevo? / Neonatal resuscitation: What is new?

A escala mundial, alrededor de 5 a 10% de recién nacidos requieren algún tipo de asistencia en el momento del nacimiento que puede ir desde maniobras de reanimación tan sencillas como la aspiración de secreciones y estimulación táctil, a otras más complejas como ventilación con presión positiva, compresiones torácicas externas y administración de epinefrina. Esto obliga a difundir un programa de reanimación que proporcione una oportunidad para aprender de manera organizada, apropiada y oportuna, la asistencia a recién nacidos para asegurar su adecuada transición a la vida extrauterina y disminuir los riesgos de daño neurológico. El Programa de Reanimación Neonatal (PRN) constituye un modelo preciso de educación médica de trascendental importancia, pues representa una prioridad dentro de los programas de salud reproductiva. Aquí se presentan las últimas recomendaciones de la Academia Americana de Pediatría y la Asociación Americana del Corazón para actualizar el PRN, basadas en diferentes niveles de evidencia. El conocimiento de las mismas y la destreza de quienes apliquen el programa seguramente ayudarán a disminuir uno de los grandes problemas de salud pública en México: la asfixia neonatal y sus complicaciones.

Worldwide, 5-10% of all newborns require some kind of intervention at birth. Thus, it is important to teach the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) to all personnel attending deliveries. This program provides a systematic approach to different situations encountered at birth to facilitate neonatal resuscitation. The NRP has been embraced by public health authorities among different countries. In this paper we summarize the most recent recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Heart Association (AHA) to update the NRP; these are based on different levels of evidence. The knowledge and practice of these recommendations will certainly help to improve neonatal outcomes and to decrease asphyxia and its complications.