Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, Vol 4, 118-125, Copyright © 1957 by Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society

Resuscitation of the Newborn

¹ Hamilton General Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario

Statistics still show that there has not been too great a reduction in the neonatal mortality from aetiological factors of a preventable nature.

Foetal development readies the foetus for an extra-uterine existence by means of a central nervous system which is sensitive to sensory and later to chemical stimulation; a circulatory system with haemoglobin which provides oxygen under low pressures; a respiratory system which can quickly be expanded with air; and an inherent ability to survive under severe degrees of hypoxia. Modern analgesia and anaesthesia along with operative obstetrics have depressed this normal change-over to the detriment of the newborn.

Resuscitation of the asphyxiated newborn requires sound judgment and moderate skill during the most dangerous minutes of the infant's existence. The application of these necessitates a patent and clear airway, rational use of physical stimulation, administration of an oxygen-rich atmosphere by artificial respiration if indicated, and the avoidance of drugs or treatments which would, in any way jeopardize the chance of survival.

Only by constant attention to the mother and the newborn, proper selection of analgesia and anaesthesia accompanied by sound and safe obstetrical practices, can the neonatal mortality rate be reduced to the minimum in keeping with the achievements of modern medicine.