Pediatric cardiology
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Pediatric cardiology · Mar 2012
ReviewAutomated external defibrillators and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death among children and adolescents.
Sudden cardiac death is devastating at any age, but it is especially so among children and adolescents. This report discusses the outcomes for patients with out-of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and describes public access defibrillation programs in general and those directed at children and adolescents. ⋯ Although limited data are available, some of the preliminary data suggest improved OHCA outcomes associated with CPR-AED programs implemented in schools. These early data provide hope for the future potential reduction in the incidence of sudden cardiac deaths in the school setting, not only among children and adolescents, but also among adults.
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Pediatric cardiology · Mar 2012
ReviewImproving outcomes from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in young children and adolescents.
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is an unusual but devastating occurrence in a young person. Years of life-lost are substantial and long-term health care costs of survivors can be high. ⋯ Integrated and coordinated care in the out-of-hospital and hospital settings are required. This article will review the epidemiology of OHCA, the 2010 CPR guidelines, and developments in public access defibrillation for children.