Interactive Guide to Neonatal Transition Assistance and Resuscitation

Based on the guide of the Spanish Society of Neonatology (SENeo) - Update 2021

DO YOU NEED HELP? KEEP NORMAL TEMPERATURE (36.5 - 37.5ºC) - Avoid hyperthermia

Antenatal Counseling

  • Check material and role assignment.
  • Anticipate possible complications.

BIRTH (CLOCK)

Term pregnancy?

Is he breathing or crying?

Good muscle tone?

Routine Care: Mother Skin to Skin

  • Delay cord clamping: Beneficial for the transition.
  • Provide heat: Skin-to-skin contact with the mother, cover with a dry, warm towel.
  • Ensure open airway: Position and clean if necessary.
  • Continuous evaluation: Monitor color, breathing and tone.

Initial Stabilization Steps (First 60s)

  • Consider delayed cord clamping: If the condition of the newborn allows it.
  • Place under heat source: Radiant crib.
  • Head position, open airway: Slight extension of the neck ("sniffing position").
  • Dry, stimulate: Rub back and soles of feet.
  • Reposition head.

Evaluate Heart Rate (HR) and Respiration

HR < 100 bpm, "gasping" or apnea?

Care and Observation: Mother Skin to Skin

  • Provide heat: Skin-to-skin contact with the mother, cover with a dry, warm towel.
  • Ensure open airway: Position and clean if necessary.
  • Continuous evaluation: Monitor color, breathing and tone.

Persistent Respiratory Difficulty

  • Rate CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure (5-6 cmH₂O).
  • SpO₂ monitoring: Place pulse oximeter on RIGHT hand or wrist (preductal).
  • Initial [O₂] 21% (ambient air): Modify according to pulse oximetry to achieve objectives.

Preductal SpO₂ Targets

TimeSpO₂
3 min70-80%
5 min80-90%
10 min90-95%

VENTILATE (VPP)

Start positive pressure ventilation (PPV) at a rate of 40-60 rpm.

  • SpO₂ monitoring: Place a preductal pulse oximeter.
  • ECG if available: For accurate and continuous HR monitoring.

Reevaluate FC

Does HR < 100 bpm persist?

Assess Breathing

What is spontaneous breathing like?

Ensure / Correct Ventilation Maneuvers

Perform corrective ventilation steps (MR. SOPA):

  • M: Mask, readjust.
  • R: Reposition airway.
  • S: Suck mouth and nose.
  • O: Open mouth.
  • P: Pressure, increase.
  • A: Alternative airway (intubation).

Consider endotracheal intubation if PPV with a mask is not effective.

Reevaluate FC

HR < 60 bpm?

Chest Compressions

Initiate chest compressions coordinated with PPV in a 3:1 ratio (90 compressions and 30 ventilations per minute).

  • Endotracheal intubation: If it has not been done, it is a priority.
  • [O₂] 100%: Increase FiO₂ to 100%.
  • ECG monitoring: Essential for accurate assessment of HR.
  • Umbilical vein cannulation: For emergency vascular access.

Reevaluate FC

HR < 60 bpm?

Adrenaline and Volume

  • Adrenalin: Administer intravenously (umbilical) or endotracheally.
    • IV: 0.01-0.03 mg/kg (0.1-0.3 mL/kg of 1:10,000 solution).
    • ET: 0.05-0.1 mg/kg (0.5-1 mL/kg of 1:10,000 solution).
  • Repeat every 3-5 minutes if HR persists < 60 bpm.
  • Consider volume expansion: If hypovolemia is suspected (paleness, weak pulses, history of blood loss). Administer Physiological Saline or Blood O- 10 mL/kg.