Single versus continuous sustained inflations during chest compressions and physiological-based cord clamping in asystolic lambs

BACKGROUND: The feasibility and benefits of continuous sustained inflations (SIs) during chest compressions (CCs) during delayed cord clamping (physiological-based cord clamping; PBCC) are not known. We aimed to determine whether continuous SIs during CCs would reduce the time to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and improve post-asphyxial blood pressures and flows in asystolic newborn lambs. METHODS: Fetal sheep were surgically instrumented immediately prior to delivery at ~139 days’ gestation and asphyxia induced until lambs reached asystole. Lambs were randomised to either immediate cord clamping (ICC) or PBCC. Lambs then received a single SI (SI(sing); 30 s at 30 cmH(2)O) followed by intermittent positive pressure ventilation, or continuous SIs (SI(cont): 30 s duration with 1 s break). We thus examined 4 groups: ICC +SI(sing), ICC +SI(cont), PBCC +SI(sing), and PBCC +SI(cont). Chest compressions and epinephrine administration followed international guidelines. PBCC lambs underwent cord clamping 10 min after ROSC. Physiological and oxygenation variables were measured throughout. RESULTS: The time taken to achieve ROSC was not different between groups (mean (SD) 4.3±2.9 min). Mean and diastolic blood pressure was higher during chest compressions in PBCC lambs compared with ICC lambs, but no effect of SIs was observed. SI(cont) significantly reduced pulmonary blood flow, diastolic blood pressure and oxygenation after ROSC compared with SI(sing). CONCLUSION: We found no significant benefit of SI(cont) over SI(sing) during CPR on the time to ROSC or on post-ROSC haemodynamics, but did demonstrate the feasibility of continuous SIs during advanced CPR on an intact umbilical cord. Longer-term studies are recommended before this technique is used routinely in clinical practice.