THE CHALLENGES OF POST CESARIAN
NEWBORN RESUSCITATION
Robert B. Clark1, Richard Bell2
1 Clinical Associate Professor, University of Utah School of
Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
2 Clinical Professor, University of California, Davis, Fairfield, California,
USA
Objectives: The
rates of cesarian births in China, similar to other industrialized
countries, have been increasing. The etiology of increasing cesarian rates
are multi factorial, including both improved fetal surveillance and more
sophisticated diagnosis of potential fetal compromise. Increasing cesarian
rates have increased the requirement for post cesarian newborn
resuscitation. Post cesarian resuscitation creates unique challenges for
the resuscitation team. Enhanced understanding and training regarding
specific post cesarian resuscitation challenges may improve perinatal
outcomes.
Methods: Cesarian
birth rates were reviewed at selected hospitals within China. Post cesarian
resuscitation techniques and procedures in these institutions were
reviewed.
Results:
Specific post cesarian
challenges were identified and explored. Strategies for responding to these
challenges were developed in accordance with resuscitation guidelines from
the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Conclusions: Unique
resuscitation challenges accompany cesarian births. As the rate of cesarian
birth increases, these challenges increase. Specific strategies for
response have been identified. These strategies may be incorporated into
training programs for hospital personnel.