Outcome of resuscitated term babies with no heart rate at 10 minutes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Outcome of resuscitated term babies with no heart rate detected at 10 minutes of age.
IRAS ID
217396
Contact name
Gemma Sullivan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Lothian R&D
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Sometimes, babies encounter problems during labour and delivery and their hearts stop beating. These babies have a reduced supply of blood and oxygen to their brain and require help in getting their heart to start again. This process is known as resuscitation and is required immediately after birth. If the lack of blood and oxygen is severe, it can cause injury to the brain that can be fatal, or may leave survivors with long-term disabilities.
International guidance advises clinicians to consider stopping resuscitation if the heart beat does not return by 10 minutes. This is based on studies reporting that the risk of death or serious disability for these babies is very high. However, the studies describe babies born more than 10 years ago. In recent years, the introduction of cooling treatment for babies who suffer a brain injury around the time of birth has improved the outlook for survivors. It may be that this guidance is no longer appropriate.
We aim to identify babies born at term in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland who receive prolonged resuscitation after delivery and have no heart rate detected at 10 minutes. We will describe how many of these babies survive and whether or not they have long term problems with development as they grow up.
This study will provide important information on the outlook for these babies and help to ensure that decisions regarding resuscitation and ongoing intensive care are made in the best interests of babies and their families.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
17/SS/0009
Date of REC Opinion
8 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion