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Neurologic outcome following pediatric resuscitation
C R Davies1, T Carrigan, J A Wright
1Henrietta Egleston Hospital for Children, Nursing Administration, Atlanta, GA 30327.
Summary
Pediatric cardiac arrest survival is low, but children who survive often have good neurological outcomes. Major deficits like hemiplegia are uncommon following pediatric cardiac arrest.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric critical care medicine
- Pediatric neurology
- Emergency medicine
Background:
- Children are often believed to tolerate cardiac arrest better than adults.
- Pediatric cardiac arrest data is crucial for understanding outcomes.
- Assessing neurological function post-arrest is vital for pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the survival rate and short-term neurologic outcomes of pediatric cardiac arrest patients.
- To evaluate the neurological status of children following cardiac arrest.
- To discuss nursing implications for managing pediatric cardiac arrest.
Main Methods:
- Data collected by specially trained critical care nurses at a pediatric teaching hospital.
- Cardiac arrest defined as requiring external or internal cardiac compressions.
- Serial neurological examinations performed to assess patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Low overall survival rate observed in pediatric cardiac arrest patients.
- Neurological outcomes appear good, even in patients who expire before discharge.
- Major neurological deficits, including hemiplegia and severe developmental delay, were not observed.
Conclusions:
- Despite low survival rates, pediatric cardiac arrest may not lead to severe long-term neurological deficits.
- Neurological assessment by nurses is critical in managing pediatric cardiac arrest.
- Further research and nursing strategies are needed to improve pediatric cardiac arrest care.