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.

 

 
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