Abstract
Objectives: We discussed what depth of chest compression during pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is adequate and safe. Methods: Anterior-posterior (AP) chest diameter (external AP) and the distance between sternum and vertebral body (internal AP) were measured in 66 children without intra-thoracic disorders. Based on these measurements, residual internal AP chest diameter (residual AP) was calculated in the settings of each 1/3 or 1/2 external AP was compressed. Additionally, we retrospectively reviewed if there was any organ injury by CPR in 10 deceased children who underwent autopsy after CPR events. Results: The average of residual AP was 1.5±3.4 mm with compression of 1/2 external AP, and was 22.6±4.4 mm with compression of 1/3 external AP. Residual AP was less than 10 mm in 98% and was less than 0 mm in 30% with compression of 1/2 external AP. There was no organ injury in the autopsy. Conclusions: We concluded that the adequate and safe depth of chest compression during pediatric CPR is “1/3 of external AP chest diameter”. When we teach the pediatric CPR, this conclusion should be interpreted judicially to avoid weak and inadequate chest compression.
