Haemodynamic changes with varying chest compression rates in asphyxiated piglets.

Background: Current neonatal resuscitation guidelines recommend that chest compressions (CCs) be delivered at a rate of 90/min. The aim of the study was to investigate the haemodynamic effects of different CC rates in a neonatal piglet model.

Methods: Six asphyxiated piglets were randomised to CC with rates of 60/min, 90/min, 120/min, 150/min and 180/min for 1 min at each rate. CCs superimposed with sustained inflations were performed with an automated CC machine.

Results: Six newborn piglets (age 0-3 days, weight 2.0-2.3 kg) were included in the study. Overall, there was a gradual increase in stroke volume, minimum and maximum rate of left ventricle pressure change (dp/dt and dp/dt, and carotid blood flow until CC rate of 150/min, with a level-off effect at a CC rate of 180/min. However, cardiac output continued to increase with the highest being at a CC rate of 180/min.

Conclusion: Rate of CC was associated with changes in haemodynamic parameters during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CC rate of 150-180/min during CC resulted in the highest cardiac output and arterial blood pressure.

Trial Registration Number: Preclincialtrials.eu PCTE0000249.