Pulseless Electrical Activity Complicating Neonatal Resuscitation.

BACKGROUND

The most recent guidelines by the Neonatal Resuscitation Program recommend use of electrocardiography monitoring during advanced resuscitation.

OBJECTIVE

We describe a case in whom detection of pulseless electrical activity (PEA) on electronic heart rate monitoring complicated delivery room management of an extremely low birth weight infant and offer suggestions for the identification of PEA for neonatal providers.

CONCLUSION

Further prospective studies are needed to determine the true incidence of PEA in the delivery room setting as well as its prognosis in newborns.