Post-resuscitation care for neonates receiving positive pressure ventilation at birth

OBJECTIVES: To investigate if postresuscitation care (PRC) is indicated for all infants ≥35 weeks' gestation who receive positive pressure ventilation (PPV) at birth, explore the aspects of this care and the factors most predictive of it. METHODS: Our hospital admits any infant who requires PPV at birth to special (intermediate/intensive) neonatal care unit (SNCU) for observation for at least 6 hours. All infants ≥35 weeks' gestation born between 1994 and 2013, who received PPV at birth, were reviewed. We examined perinatal factors that could predict the need for PRC after short (,1 minute) and prolonged (<1 minute) PPV, admission course, neonatal morbidities, and the aspects of care given. RESULTS: Among 87 464 infants born, 3658 (4.2%) had PPV at birth with 3305 (90%) admitted for PRC. Of those, 1558 (42.6%) were in the short PPV group and 2100 (57.4%) in the prolonged PPV group. Approximately 59% of infants who received short PPV stayed in the SNCU for ≥1 day. Infants who received prolonged PPV were more likely to have morbidities and require special neonatal care. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed the risk factors of placental abruption, assisted delivery, small-for-dates, gestational age ,37 weeks, low 5-minute Apgar score, and need for intubation at birth to be independent predictors for SNCU stay ≥1 day and need for assisted ventilation, central lines, and parenteral nutrition. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the need for PRC even for infants receiving short PPV at birth.