New guidelines for newborn resuscitation

ABSTRACT

The new guidelines from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation and American Heart Association/American Academy of Pediatrics for newborn resuscitation underline that efficient ventilation is the key to a successful resuscitation of the newly born infant. Compared with the former guidelines published in 1999, the major changes are (i) less emphasis on using supplemental oxygen when initiating resuscitation, (ii) no need for routine intrapartum oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal suctioning for vigorous infants born to mothers with meconium staining of amniotic fluid, (iii) occlusive wrapping of very low birth weight infants <28 weeks to reduce heat loss is recommended, (iv) preference for the intravenous versus endotracheal route for adrenaline and (v) more emphasis on parental autonomy at the threshold of viability. A number of gaps in newborn resuscitation have been identified and discussed.

Conclusion: The new guidelines for newborn resuscitation are more evidence-based than previously ones. However, still there is a need for further research and modifications.