14 Nov Bystander CPR Associated With Improved Outcomes in Pediatric Cardiac Arrest

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Maryam Y. Naim

Maryam Y. Naim, MD
Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Physician
The Cardiac Center
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Perelman School of Medicine
The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? 

Response: In adults bystander compression only CPR has similar outcomes to bystander conventional COR therefore the The American Heart Association recommends untrained lay rescuers perform compression only CPR in adults that have an out of hospital cardiac arrest. In children respiratory arrests are more common therefore conventional CPR with chest compressions and rescue breaths are recommended for out of hospital cardiac arrest.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response: This is the first study to characterize compression only CPR in children in the United States. There are several important findings, the first is that compression only CPR occurs as frequently as conventional CPR in children who have an out of hospital cardiac arrest.

There is a racial disparity in the type of bystander CPR provided to children; white children are more likely to receive conventional CPR whereas black and Hispanic children are more likely to receive compression only CPR.

In infants (children less than the age of 1), which is the largest age group to have a cardiac arrest, compression only CPR outcomes were similar to no bystander CPR provision and only conventional CPR was associated with improved outcomes.

Although both types CPR are associated with survival to hospital discharge compared to no bystander CPR, only conventional CPR is associated with favorable neurologic outcome.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: This study suggests that public health efforts need to be undertaken to improve conventional CPR provision in children which may lead to improved outcomes. These efforts are especially needed in minority communities.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Studying the exact cause of racial disparities found in this study is important to understand whether this is an issue related to socioeconomic status, education, or another factor.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Maryam Y. Naim, Rita V. Burke, Bryan F. McNally, Lihai Song, Heather M. Griffis, Robert A. Berg, Kimberly Vellano, David Markenson, Richard N. Bradley, Joseph W. Rossano. Association of Bystander Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation With Overall and Neurologically Favorable Survival After Pediatric Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in the United States. JAMA Pediatrics, 2016; DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2016.3643
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on November 14, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD