Neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants requiring resuscitation in developing countries
Waldemar A Carlo1, Shivaprasad S Goudar, Omrana Pasha
1University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA. wcarlo@peds.uab.edu
The Journal of Pediatrics
|November 22, 2011
Summary
This study found no significant difference in neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12 months for infants requiring resuscitation at birth. Most infants receiving bag and mask ventilation had outcomes within the normal range.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal resuscitation
- Pediatric neurodevelopmental outcomes
Background:
- Effective breathing at birth is crucial for infant survival.
- Resuscitation interventions aim to improve outcomes for non-breathing newborns.
- Neurodevelopmental impairment is a significant concern following neonatal resuscitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if resuscitation for infants failing to breathe at birth increases neurodevelopmental impairment in survivors.
- To compare 12-month neurodevelopmental outcomes between resuscitated and non-resuscitated infants.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial design was employed.
- Infants unresponsive to stimulation received bag and mask ventilation or no resuscitation.
- Neurodevelopmental assessments were conducted by masked evaluators at 12 months.
Main Results:
- No significant difference was observed in the percentage of infants with a Mental Developmental Index <85 between resuscitated (18%) and non-resuscitated (12%) groups (P = .22).
- Other neurodevelopmental outcomes also showed no significant differences between the groups.
- The primary outcome measure was the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II.
Conclusions:
- The majority of infants who received bag and mask ventilation at birth demonstrated 12-month neurodevelopmental outcomes within the reference range.
- While immediate outcomes appear favorable, longer-term follow-up is recommended due to potential increased risks for neurodevelopmental impairments.
