Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 10, 2026

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
Published on: April 7, 2023
A hemodynamic-directed approach to pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (HD-CPR) improves survival
Ryan W Morgan1, Todd J Kilbaugh1, Wesley Shoap1
1The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, 34th Street & Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
Insights
Hemodynamic-directed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) improved survival in a pediatric cardiac arrest model. This advanced CPR approach, guided by blood pressure, offers better outcomes than standard CPR for in-hospital events.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric critical care medicine
- Cardiovascular research
- Emergency medicine
Background:
- Pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCA) predominantly occur in intensive care units (ICUs).
- Invasive hemodynamic monitoring is often available in ICUs for pediatric patients.
- Titrating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) based on hemodynamic response has shown promise in adult models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if titrating CPR to systolic blood pressure (SBP) and coronary perfusion pressure (CoPP) improves survival in a pediatric porcine model of asphyxia-associated ventricular fibrillation (VF) IHCA.
- To compare hemodynamic-directed CPR (HD-CPR) with traditional CPR methods.
Main Methods:
- A pediatric porcine model of asphyxia-associated VF IHCA was used.
- Animals received either HD-CPR (titrated to SBP ≥90mmHg and CoPP ≥20mmHg) or Standard Care (fixed compression depth and timed epinephrine).
- CPR was administered for 10 minutes before defibrillation attempts, with a maximum CPR duration of 20 minutes, followed by 4 hours of intensive care.
Main Results:
- The survival rate was significantly higher in the HD-CPR group (12/12) compared to the Standard Care group (6/10; p=0.03).
- HD-CPR resulted in higher CoPP (+8.1mmHg; p=0.04) and lower chest compression depth (-14.0mm; p<0.01) compared to Standard Care.
- More vasopressor doses were administered during HD-CPR prior to defibrillation (median 5 vs. 2; p<0.01).
Conclusions:
- Hemodynamic-directed CPR significantly improves short-term survival in a pediatric model of asphyxia-associated VF IHCA.
- HD-CPR, by targeting specific hemodynamic parameters, demonstrates superior efficacy compared to standard depth-targeted CPR in this preclinical setting.
Aim:
Most pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCAs) occur in ICUs where invasive hemodynamic monitoring is frequently available. Titrating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to the hemodynamic response of the individual improves survival in preclinical models of adult cardiac arrest. The objective of this study was to determine if titrating CPR to systolic blood pressure (SBP) and coronary perfusion pressure (CoPP) in a pediatric porcine model of asphyxia-associated ventricular fibrillation (VF) IHCA would improve survival as compared to traditional CPR.
Methods:
After 7min of asphyxia followed by VF, 4-week-old piglets received either hemodynamic-directed CPR (HD-CPR; compression depth titrated to SBP of 90mmHg and vasopressor administration to maintain CoPP ≥20mmHg); or Standard Care (compression depth 1/3 of the anterior-posterior chest diameter and epinephrine every 4min). All animals received CPR for 10min prior to the first defibrillation attempt. CPR was continued for a maximum of 20min. Protocolized intensive care was provided to all surviving animals for 4h. The primary outcome was 4-h survival.
Results:
Survival rate was greater with HD-CPR (12/12) than Standard Care (6/10; p=0.03). CoPP during HD-CPR was higher compared to Standard Care (point estimate +8.1mmHg, CI95: 0.5-15.8mmHg; p=0.04). Chest compression depth was lower with HD-CPR than Standard Care (point estimate -14.0mm, CI95: -9.6 to -18.4mm; p<0.01). Prior to the first defibrillation attempt, more vasopressor doses were administered with HD-CPR vs. Standard Care (median 5 vs. 2; p<0.01).
Conclusions:
Hemodynamic-directed CPR improves short-term survival compared to standard depth-targeted CPR in a porcine model of pediatric asphyxia-associated VF IHCA.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

