Feasibility of a Novel ECG Electrode Placement Method in Newborn Infants

Henry, Caroline; Shipley, Lara; Morgan, Stephen; Crowe, John A.; Carpenter, James; Hayes-Gill, Barrie; Sharkey, Don

Abstract

Background: International newborn resuscitation guidelines recommend electrocardiogram (ECG) heart rate (HR) monitoring at birth. We evaluated the application time of pre-set ECG electrodes fixed to a polyethene patch allowing adhesive-free attachment to the wet skin of the newborn chest. Objectives: Using a three-electrode pre-set ECG patch configuration, application success was calculated using video analysis and measured at three time points, the time to (1) apply electrodes; (2) detect recognizable QRS complexes after application; and (3) display a HR after application. Method: A prospective observational study in two UK tertiary maternity units was undertaken with 71 newborns including 23 who required resuscitation. Results: The median (IQR) time for ECG patch application was 8 (6-10) seconds, detection of recognizable QRS complexes 8 (2-12) seconds, and time to output HR was 23 (15-37) seconds. Conclusion: Pre-set ECG chest electrodes allow rapid HR information at birth without electrode detachment or compromising skin integrity.

Citation

Henry, C., Shipley, L., Morgan, S., Crowe, J. A., Carpenter, J., Hayes-Gill, B., & Sharkey, D. (2022). Feasibility of a Novel ECG Electrode Placement Method in Newborn Infants. Neonatology, 119(2), 264-267. https://doi.org/10.1159/000521530

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 23, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Feb 7, 2022
• Publication Date: Mar 1, 2022
• Deposit Date: Dec 23, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 8, 2023
• Journal: Neonatology
• Print ISSN: 1661-7800
• Electronic ISSN: 1661-7819
• Publisher: S. Karger AG
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 119
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 264-267
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1159/000521530
• Keywords: Developmental Biology; Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/7057870
• Publisher URL: https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/521530