Back versus chest ECG electrode placement: Preset back ECG electrodes promising in neonates requiring advanced resuscitation

Based on the study, the researchers reported the following findings:

· Both groups showed similar proportions of detectable HR within the first minute.

· Median time to obtain HR was 26 seconds for the chest group and 21 seconds for the back group.

· A large number of vigorous infants were included. In the chest group, these vigorous infants had shorter HR acquisition times than non-vigorous infants (Mean ± SD of 34 ± 48 seconds vs. 50 ± 44 seconds respectively).

· Failure rates and time to acquire an HR for infants who were non-vigorous and required advanced resuscitation were similar between the back and chest groups.

"Preset back ECG electrodes have shown encouraging results in neonates requiring advanced resuscitation," the researchers wrote. "There is a need for further studies to enhance guidance during neonatal resuscitation."

Reference:

Gulati R, Sayegh L, McCurley C, Eyal F, Zayek M. Back vs. chest ECG electrode placement in neonatal resuscitation: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Resuscitation. 2023 Nov;192:109961. doi 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2023.109961. Epub 2023 Sep 9. PMID: 37678627.