shown comparable effectiveness of chest compressions in both supine/uterine displacement and lateral tilt positions, suggesting that either method may be suitable for maternal CPR [11]. These studies demonstrate the lack of a definitive protocol for CPR in an obstetric setting. Because related clinical trials involve ethical and practical concerns, development of suitable preclinical models of maternal cardiac arrest and resuscitation is essential for instituting effective CPR interventions in pregnant women. The present study entailed use of a basic life support mannequin simulation (BLS-MS) to evaluate CPR effectiveness, comparing 30 LLT tilt and supine positions. A 5-point question- naire then served to score the ease of performing CPR. Position- dependent changes in coronary perfusion pressure (CPP), a major indicator of CPR effectiveness [12], were also assessed. For this purpose, a novel swine model of maternal CPR was devised, incorporating pulseless electrical activity (PEA) cardiac arrest and a fetal mannequin (PEA-FM). Materials and methods Study design This prospective randomized crossover study was conducted at Yokohama Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (BLS-MS arm) and Kobe Medical Device Development Center (PEA-FM arm) between 2008 and 2012. To measure CPR parameters such as compression rate and hand position, certified rescuers performed chest compressions on a mannequin placed in either supine or 30 LLT position, using an adjustable bed (comparable to an operating room table) as platform. The degree of tilt was protractor-verified in each instance. Participants provided their own assessments of the difficulty encountered during each procedure. The medical S. Dohi et al. / European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology 216 (2017) 98–103 99 Fig. 1. Preparation of swine model for maternal CPR. A–C: Fetal mannequin placed intra-abdominally in sedated pig and positioned against inferior vena cava, inserting a Swan-Ganz catheter to monitor arterial and central venous pressures; D: Fetal mannequin, consisting of full-body pregnancy simulation fetus with amnion (LM-105; Koken Co Ltd, Tokyo, Japan). Abbreviations: CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation. ethical review board of Kanazawa University approved the study protocol. To measure CPP at different positions, fetal mannequins were placed within abdominal cavities of four pigs, subsequently inducing PEA cardiac arrest in these animals. The Animal Experiment Committee of the Intervention Technical Center for the use of laboratory animals in the Kobe Medical Device Development Center granted approval for this aspect of the study. BLS-MS participants, protocol, and outcome measures Twenty rescuers ! 18 years old and certified as competent in American Heart Association (AHA) basic life support (BLS) volunteered for this investigation. All participants provided written informed consent, and all completed the study success- fully. On a random assignment basis, each BLS rescuer performed simulated chest compressions on a mannequin (Resusci Anne Simulator; Laerdal Medical, Stavanger, Norway) placed in either supine or 30 LLT position, continuing for 2 min in the position first assigned, resting for 10 min, and then repositioning the mannequin and repeating CPR for 2 min in the second assigned position. The 2- min intervals for CPR conformed to AHA BLS guidelines of 2005 and 2010. To avoid potential bias, rescuers were blinded to the monitor screen displaying compression rate or hand position. Analysis of all collected data involved proprietary methods (PC Skill Reporting System; Laerdal Medical). The primary outcome measure was chest compression quality (stipulated as a compression depth of 50–60 mm, hand positioned on the lower half of the sternum, and recoil to within 5 mm of baseline chest height) and rate (number of compressions executed in 1 min). As a secondary outcome, rescuers scored the ease of
performing CPR with the mannequin in a given position. The questionnaires were completed after BLS-MS execution, applying a 5-point Likert-like scale (1, very easy; 2, easy; 3, normal; 4, difficult; 5, very difficult) [13]. The average values of self-reported ratings were termed difficulty scores. PEA-FM model, CPR protocol, and outcome measures Four female swine (LWD strain: Landrace  Large White  Duroc three-way cross breeds; age, 3 months; weight, 35–37 kg) were used to develop the PEA-FM model. The swine were purchased from a pathogen-free farm in Japan and kept at the Intervention Technical Center under controlled conditions (tem- perature, 23 Æ 3 C; humidity, 55 Æ10%), implementing a 12-h light-dark cycle (lights on, 7:00–19:00; lights off, 19:00–7:00) and direct-expansion air conditioning, with a medium-quality air filter. The animals consumed a commercial solid diet (MP-A, Oriental Yeast, Tokyo, Japan; maximum limit, 800 g/day). The pigs were sedated using intramuscular ketamine (Ketalar, 2 mg/kg) and xylazine (10 mg/kg) as well as inhalatory isoflurane (2–3%) in oxygen (2–3 L/min). Subsequently, a 3.5-g fetal manne- quin consisting of a full-body pregnancy-simulating fetus with amnion (LM-105; Koken, Tokyo, Japan) was positioned within the abdominal cavity of each pig, placed against the inferior vena cava (Fig. 1). PEA cardiac arrest [14], an unstable cardiac condition marked by sustained electrical activity and absence of a palpable pulse, was induced by administering a bolus of potassium chloride (0.9 mEq/kg) in normal saline (20 mL) intravenously. Precordial electrodes continuously monitored electrocardiographic activity. All four pigs ultimately experienced cardiac arrest, signaled by ventricular fibrillation on electrocardiogram and loss of arterial blood pressure waveforms. Subsequently, 2-min sets of chest compressions were delivered to the animals positioned as follows: supine, supine with left uterine displacement (LUD), 30 LLT, and 30 RLT. In addition to constant monitoring of heart rate, Swan-Ganz catheter placement enabled ongoing recording of arterial and central venous pressures. The primary outcome in the PEA-FM arm was CPP, defined as aortic diastolic pressure minus left ventricular end- diastolic pressure, with readings taken at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 min after starting CPR. Statistical analysis Mean differences in percentage of compressions performed at stipulated depth, hand position, and recoil, as well as differences in chest compression rates, were analyzed via Student’s two-tailed t- test, applying Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn’s post-hoc tests to assess CPP differences in the animal model. All computations relied on standard software (SAS JMP Pro 11.0; SAS Institute, Cary, NC), setting significance at p 0.05. Results Demographics Among the BLS-MS participants (women, 35%), age was 40.8 Æ 7.2 years, and median BLS experience was 3 years. Thirteen (65%) of the rescuers were registered nurses (Table 1). CPR parameters and ease of performing the mannequin CPR simulation (BLS-MS) Relative to total number of compressions executed, the ratio of compressions executed at stipulated depth was significantly higher for supine than for 30 LLT position (114.5/150 vs 53.8/ 100 S. Dohi et al. / European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology 216 (2017) 98–103 Table 1 Characteristics of the participants involved in the mannequin-based CPR simulation (N = 20). Variable Value Age, years 40.8 Æ 7.2 Sex Male 7 (35) Female 13 (65) Specialty Registered nurse 13 (65) Anesthesiologist 1 (5) Obstetrician 1 (5) EMS technician 3 (15) ER physician 1 (5) Neurosurgeon 1 (5) Professional experience, years 16.5 (13.5–20.2) Experience with BLS, years 3 (2–4.2) Values expressed as number (percentage), median (interquartile range), or mean Æ standard deviation. CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation; ER, emergency room; EMS, emergency medicine service; BLS, basic life support. 150; p < 0.001), as was the ratio of compressions performed using correct hand position (149.5/150 vs 131.7/150; p < 0.05). However, our analysis showed no position-specific differences in chest compression rate or ratio of compressions that recoiled correctly to total number of compressions (Table 2). Questionnaire scores also revealed that the participants found chest compressions signifi- cantly easier to perform with the mannequin in supine (vs LLT) position (difficulty score, 1.75 [95% confidence interval, 1.31–2.19] vs 3.95 [95% confidence interval, 3.68–4.22]; p < 0.001). CPP variation in the swine model (PEA-FM) In the swine model, animal position during CPR significantly affected CPP values at 1.0 and 1.5 min, but not those at 0.5 and 2.0 min (Dunn’s post-hoc test: p < 0.001, p = 0.02, p = 0.10, and p = 0.14, respectively; Fig. 2, Supplementary Fig. 1). At all four evaluated time points, supine position with LUD and 30 RLT position generated the highest and lowest CPP values, respectively (Dunn’s post-hoc test: p < 0.05). Discussion Main findings The present study indicates that rescuers perform higher- quality chest compressions if subjects are in supine position, and that CPP normalization proceeds most effectively in supine position with LUD. Interpretation In an obstetric setting, optimal patient positioning during CPR remains controversial. A mannequin simulation study previously performed by Kim et al. has confirmed that even inexperienced first responders can execute high-quality chest compressions with subjects in 30 LLT position [15]. Furthermore, although neither hand position nor other measures of chest compression technique (rate, depth, or recoil) showed significant position-specific differ- ences, performing chest compressions proved easier in supine (vs LLT) position. All BLS rescuers participating in the present study, each AHA-certified, also stated preferring supine mannequin position during simulated CPR. Indeed, the stipulated chest compression depth and hand position were achieved by rescuers more often when performing simulated CPR supine. Upon investigating various methods for producing lateral tilt, Ip et al. found dedicated foam or hard wedges, rather than pillows or
human wedge, superior in conferring lateral tilt during CPR [16]. On the other hand, the mannequin study of Butcher et al. demonstrated that chest compressions were equally effective in both supine/uterine displacement and lateral tilt positions, maintaining that either method is suitable for CPR [11]. Such observations are perhaps attributable to differences in experience levels of rescuers recruited for these studies, and to subtle differences in the models used or study protocols applied. For example, unlike the relatively inexperienced first responders involved in the study by Kim et al. [15], the AHA-certified BLS rescuers enlisted in this investigation were highly experienced, and therefore more apt to achieve better outcomes. Present findings thus underscore the importance of rescue experience in achieving superior CPR outcomes, and support the contention that supine position, rather than LLT, yields better-quality chest compressions. Data acquired from the swine model of maternal CPR also corroborated that chest compressions are most effective if performed on the animal positioned supine with LUD, while conversely suggesting that 30 RLT position may be harmful, given the very low CPPs generated. Maximal CPP has emerged as one of the best parameters in predicting return of spontaneous circula- tion, and CPP measurements are generally more predictive than aortic pressure alone [17,18]. Lateral positioning also appeared to improve left atrial wedge pressure correlation in a positive- pressure ventilation pig model [19], although another study using LLT to relieve presumptive aortocaval compression by pregnant Table 2 Quality of chest compressions in the mannequin-based simulation. Parameter Supine position (n = 20) p-value Correct hand position 0.99 0.88 < 0.05 Correct chest compression depth 0.76 0.36 < 0.001 Correct recoil 1.0 1.0 NS Chest compression rate* 120.4 123.1 NS Unless otherwise specified, all values are provided as ratios between number of compressions performed in correct capacity and total number of compressions. NS, not significant. * Compressions/min. S. Dohi et al. / European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology 216 (2017) 98–103 101 Fig. 2. Measurement of CPP during resuscitative chest compressions, executed with animals in different positions. A–D: CPP readings at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 min after pulseless cardiac arrest. Abbreviations: CPP, coronary perfusion pressure; LLT, left lateral tilt; LUD, supine position with left uterine displacement; RLT, right lateral tilt; SP, supine position. uteri indicated that 15 of LLT was ineffective in reducing inferior vena cava compression [20]. It is therefore prudent for healthcare providers to perform maternal CPR using uterine displacement and not lateral tilt. Aortocaval compression is a key contributor to supine maternal hypotension. The PEA-FM model we devised simulates the condition of aortocaval compression, so the low CPPs recorded in LLT attest to the inadequacy of lateral tilt in alleviating aortocaval compression. Such inference stems from the fact that aortocaval compression may persist, despite high lateral tilt, if the gravid uterus is immobile and sags over the abdomen [21]. Armstrong et al. analyzed cardiac indices of term pregnant women in sitting, lateral, and supine positions and found that maternal stroke volume index, heart rate, and systolic blood pressure were higher in lateral position [22]. Although body position may be critical in exacerbating cardiorespiratory stress during pregnancy, deficits in delivery of maternal CPR in simulated obstetric settings have been conspicuous in several studies. One such investigation revealed that compressions were carried out correctly in just 56% of cases, and ventilations in 50% [23]. Furthermore, critical interventions such as LUD or engaging a firm back support prior to initiating compressions were frequently neglected [23]. Poor pregnancy-specific CPR was also reported in another study [24]. Finally, Einav et al. have noted that obstetric specialty clinicians in a hospital setting possessed limited knowledge of current recommendations for treating maternal Left lateral tilt position (n = 20)
cardiac arrest [25]. All these sources highlight the need for awareness, standardization, continued education, and further studies in this high-risk and complex field. Strengths and limitations Clinical trials in obstetric settings involve ethical and practical concerns. Studies/guidelines for CPR in pregnancy therefore generally rely on case series, extrapolating from cardiac arrest data in non-pregnant patients and from mannequin studies. Unfortunately, these approaches are inherently limited in terms of reflecting real maternal CPR conditions. The major strength of the present study is the use of a novel PEA-FM model that perhaps more closely mimics maternal CPR. In non-obstetric settings, porcine models of cardiac arrest and resuscitation are relatively well understood [26]. The swine model has several important advantages over other animal models, and outcomes in the swine model seemingly translate well to clinical circumstances [27]. Especially relevant to CPR is the fact that the large chests of pigs can accommodate appropriately forceful precordial chest com- pressions and electrical transthoracic counter shocks applied during defibrillation. In addition, this large mammal will tolerate extensive manipulations, especially sampling of blood and intravascular or intracardiac pressure measurements; moreover, the serum chemistries of pigs and humans are quite similar [27,28]. The animal model used here also incorporated a fetal mannequin, an important feature closely simulating aortocaval compression in pregnant women. Hence, the three study arms conducted (BLS-MS, PEA-FM, and rescuer questionnaire) all generated data to support the superiority of supine position for better-quality outcomes in maternal CPR. The present study has several acknowledged limitations. Although the PEA-FM model of maternity embodies certain CPR- relevant anatomic features, its applicability to pregnant women cannot be completely conceded. Specifically, the fetal mannequin was not secured in place, creating a potential for excessive mobility. Another major limitation is that CPP was the sole index of CPR effectiveness in the animal model. Cerebral perfusion pressure is an equally important measure and would be an appropriate addition to similar future investigations. More recently, near- infrared spectroscopic cerebral oximetry has also emerged as a noninvasive means of predicting return of spontaneous circulation following CPR. Finally, although the lack of statistically significant differences in CPP values at 0.5 and 2.0 min remains unexplained, it may reflect insufficient chest compression soon after initiating CPR and fatigue before terminating CPR [29,30]. As determined by Ashton et al., rotating rescuers at 1-min intervals is advisable, due to fatigue that develops within 3 min of uninterrupted CPR. However, further research is needed to clarify such issues. Conclusions Although maternal chest compression is feasible in 30 LLT position, correct compression depth may be more difficult to achieve, due in part to the surface used. Using mannequin-based simulations, we found that chest compressions were much more effective if performed with the subject positioned supine on a firm surface, preferably with lateral uterine displacement. Our limited animal model also registered consistently lower CPP readings during CPR in supine and in LLT or RLT positions at 30, compared with CPP readings in supine position plus LUD. RLT position seemed especially inadequate for maintaining CPP during chest compressions. 102 S. Dohi et al. / European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology 216 (2017) 98–103 Funding None. Conflict of interest The author reports no conflict of interest. Acknowledgements I am deeply grateful to Prof. Takayuki Kosuge (Teikyo University), Prof. Hiroshi Saito (Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital), Dr. Yasuo Takegoshi (Fukui Saiseikai Hospi- tal), Mr. Yasuo Hara (IVTec), and Ms. Kazue Nara (Yokohama Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support [ACLS]), whose related comments and suggestions were of immeasurable value. I also extend my gratitude to the BLS rescuers of Yokohama ACLS. Cactus Communications provided editorial support, assisting in medical writing, table creation, production of high-resolution images (per author’s detailed specifications), collating the author’s comments, copyediting, fact checking, and referencing. Appendix A. Supplementary data Supplementary data associated with this article can be found, in the online version, at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j. ejogrb.2017.07.019. References [1] Lavonas EJ, Drennan IR, Gabrielli A, et al. Part 10: special circumstances of resuscitation. Circulation 2015;132:S501–18. 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