Delivery Room Handling of the Newborn: Filling the Gaps

Background: Newborn resuscitation algorithms have since the turn of the century been more evidence-based. In this review, we discuss the development of American Heart Association (AHA) and the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR)'s algorithm for newborn resuscitation from 1992-2024. We have also aimed to identify the remaining gaps in non-evidenced practice.

Summary: Of the 22 procedures reviewed in the 2020 ILCOR recommendations, the evidence was either low, very low, or non-existing. The strength of recommendation is weak or non-existing for most topics discussed. Several knowledge gaps are also summarized. The special challenge for low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is discussed.

Key messages: Newborn resuscitation is still not evidence-based, although great progress has been achieved the recent years. We have identified several knowledge gaps which should be prioritized in future research. The challenge of obtaining evidence-based knowledge from LMIC should be focused on in future research.