Generic placeholder image

Current Pediatric Reviews

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1573-3963
ISSN (Online): 1875-6336

Defibrillation in Children: Why a Range in Energy Dosing?

Author(s): Jonathan Egan and Dianne L. Atkins

Volume 9, Issue 2, 2013

Page: [134 - 138] Pages: 5

DOI: 10.2174/1573396311309020006

Price: $65

Abstract

Infants and children have historically received a weight-based escalating defibrillation dose, commencing at 2J/kg. Researchers are increasingly suggesting that 2J/kg maybe an ineffective initial defibrillation dose. However without a definitive study there has been hesitancy to modify this initial dose. The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation made a recommendation in 2010 of an initial dose of 2–4 J/Kg, increased from 2 J/Kg. The American Heart Association and the European Resuscitation Councils now have different initial dosing recommendations for children. The ERC advocates 4J/kg as the initial dose without escalation for subsequent shocks, while the AHA recommends 2–4 J/Kg, increasing to ≥ 4 J/Kg with subsequent shocks up to adult dose. The difficulty of finding a dose based on robust evidence continues to provide a stimulus for research to better define the best defibrillation energy dose for children.

Keywords: Arrest, defibrillation, child, countershock, resuscitation.


Rights & Permissions Print Cite
© 2024 Bentham Science Publishers | Privacy Policy