Basics and novelties of neonatal resuscitation

This recommendation summarizes the recent neonatal resuscitation guidelines of the European Resuscitation Coun-cil (ERC), but it takes into account the guidelines of the American Heart Association (AHA) and the statements of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) Consensus on Science with Treatment Recommen-dations (CoSTR) for neonatal life support. The goal of the management of the newly born infants is to support the cardiorespiratory transition. Personnel and equipment should be prepared for neonatal life support before every de-livery. After birth, the heat loss of the newborn must be prevented and, if possible, the clamping of the cord should be delayed. Initially the newborn must be assessed and, if possible, the baby should be kept with the mother in skin -to-skin contact. The infant must be placed under radiant warmer and the airways must be opened, if respiratory or circulatory support is needed. Decisions about the further steps of resuscitation are based on the evaluation of breath-ing, heart rate and oxygen saturation. If the baby is apnoeic or has a low heart rate, positive pressure ventilation must be started. The effectiveness of the ventilation must be checked, and failures are to be corrected if necessary. If the heart rate is <60/min despite effective ventilation, chest compressions should be started. Rarely, administration of medications is also necessary. After successful resuscitation, post-resuscitation care must be started. In the case of unsuccessful resuscitation, discontinuing management can be considered.