Severe ventilatory compromise due to gastric distention during pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Marc D. Berg, Ahamed H. Idris, Robert A. Berg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

56 Scopus citations

Abstract

We describe a child in cardiac arrest with severe ventilatory compromise due to gastric distention. During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), positive pressure ventilation may lead to gastric insufflation because of decreased pulmonary compliance and decreased lower esophageal sphincter tone. Essentially, gas delivered will follow the path of least resistance, which may be to the stomach. In our patient, gastric distention precluded effective ventilation and gastric decompression relieved ventilatory compromise. The values and pitfalls of clinical evaluation and capnography are presented.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)71-73
Number of pages3
JournalResuscitation
Volume36
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1998

Keywords

  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
  • Child
  • End-tidal carbon dioxide
  • Gastric distention
  • Pediatrics
  • Ventilation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Emergency
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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