Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to describe the variation of in-neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) characteristics and outcomes across different
gestational ages and levels of NICU care.
Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of in-NICU CPR events across 10 NICUs in San
Antonio, TX from 2012 through 2017.
Results We identified 140 patients experiencing a total of 210 in-NICU CPR events. CPR was
performed in 0.23% of Level III and 0.85% of Level IV NICU admissions. Gestational
age was inversely related to CPR incidence. The median age at in-NICU CPR was lower
for preterm versus term infants (6 vs. 28 days, p = 0.002). With regression modeling, each added minute of chest compression decreased
the odds of return to spontaneous circulation by 11%.
Conclusion In-NICU CPR incidence rises with decreasing gestational age and increasing level
of NICU care. The rate of return of spontaneous circulation decreases significantly
with increasing duration of chest compressions. Further study is needed to identify
patient factors associated with adverse outcome.
Keywords cardiopulmonary resuscitation - level of care - gestational age
