ABSTRACT
Aim
In 2016, the neonatal resuscitation guidelines suggested electronic cardiac (ECG) monitoring to assess heart rate for an infant receiving positive pressure ventilation immediately after birth. Our aim was to study the impact of ECG monitoring on delivery room resuscitation interventions and neonatal outcomes.
Methods
Observational cohort study compared maternal, perinatal and infant characteristics, before (retrospective cohort, calendar year 2015) and after (prospective cohort, calendar year 2017) implementation of ECG monitoring in the delivery room. Association of ECG monitoring with delivery room resuscitation practice interventions and neonatal outcomes was assessed using unadjusted and adjusted multivariable regression analyses.
Results
Of 632 newly born infants who received positive pressure ventilation in the delivery room, ECG monitoring was performed in 369 (the prospective cohort) compared with no ECG monitoring in 263 (the retrospective cohort). Compared to neonates in the retrospective cohort, neonates with ECG monitoring had a significantly lower endotracheal intubation rate (36% vs 48%, P < .005) in the delivery room and higher 5-min Apgar scores (7 [5–8] vs 6 [5–8], P < .05). There was no difference in mortality (31 [8%] vs 23 [9%]), but infants who received ECG monitoring had increased odds of receiving chest compressions with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.6 (95% confidence interval: 1.4–9.5).
Conclusion
Introduction of ECG monitoring in the delivery room was associated with fewer endotracheal intubations, and an increase use of chest compressions with no difference in mortality.