Autoresuscitation after pediatric cardiac arrest: is hyperventilation a cause?

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Jonathan P Duff1, Ari R Joffe, William Sevcik

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta and Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. jon.duff@albertahealthservices.ca

Pediatric Emergency Care
|March 8, 2011
PubMed

Insights

The Lazarus phenomenon, a delayed return of spontaneous circulation, is reported in two children following resuscitation. Unintentional hyperventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation may be the cause.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric critical care medicine
  • Emergency medicine
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • The Lazarus phenomenon, or autoelection, is the spontaneous return of circulation after failed cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
  • While documented in adults, this phenomenon has not been previously reported in pediatric cases.

Observation:

  • Two pediatric patients experienced the Lazarus phenomenon after pulseless arrest.
  • Both cases occurred in the context of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Findings:

  • The Lazarus phenomenon was observed in pediatric patients, expanding its known occurrence.
  • Unintentional hyperventilation during resuscitation is hypothesized as a potential contributing factor.

Implications:

  • This report highlights the need to consider the Lazarus phenomenon in pediatric resuscitation.
  • Further investigation into the mechanisms and management of pediatric Lazarus phenomenon is warranted.
  • Clinicians should be aware of potential causes, such as hyperventilation, during pediatric CPR.

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