Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Sustained Inflation and Chest Compression vs 3:1 C:V Ratio in Asphyxiated Newborns

This study is investigating the best way to perform chest compressions on newborn babies who need life support, known as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), right after they are born. Currently, the most common method involves three chest presses for every one breath given (called 3:1 C:V). However, experts aren't completely sure if this is the best approach for babies. This research plans to compare the standard 3:1 C:V method with a new technique called CC+SI (Chest Compression during Sustained Inflation). The aim is to find out which method leads to more babies surviving their hospital stay after experiencing a cardiac arrest at birth. This is an important study because finding better ways to help these vulnerable newborns could save lives.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Alberta

Enrolment target

554

Start

01 Sep 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2033

Cardiac Arrest

What is this study about?

When a baby is born and needs help with their heart and breathing, it's a very serious situation. Doctors and nurses call this cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR. For babies, CPR involves pressing on their chest and helping them breathe. At the moment, there's a recommended way to do this for newborns: three chest presses for every one breath. This is known as the 3:1 Compression:Ventilation ratio.

However, this recommendation is mostly based on studies done on animals, and there haven't been many studies in human babies to confirm it's the very best way. Because of this, medical experts want to find out if there's a more effective technique. They've identified this as a key area where more research is desperately needed to improve care for these tiny patients.

This trial aims to compare the usual 3:1 C:V method with a different technique called CC+SI (Chest Compression during Sustained Inflation). The main goal is to see if CC+SI can reduce the number of babies who sadly don't survive their first hospital stay after needing CPR at birth, compared to the standard method. By doing this research across several hospitals, we hope to find clearer answers about the best way to help newborns in this critical situation.

Key takeaways

This study compares two ways of doing CPR for newborns.
It aims to find the safest and most effective chest compression method.
The goal is to improve survival rates for babies needing CPR at birth.
Participation involves following one of the two CPR techniques if needed.
This research helps inform future medical guidelines for newborn care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for newborn babies who are born prematurely (from 28 weeks of pregnancy) up to full-term (43 weeks of pregnancy). The doctors and parents must have already decided that the baby will receive full medical help if needed after birth.

Babies would not be able to join the study if they have a known major birth defect or a severe genetic condition. Also, babies who are born in one hospital and then moved to a different hospital after delivery will not be included.

Importantly, the study wants to include babies from all backgrounds, regardless of their sex, race, or ethnicity, to make sure the results are helpful for all families.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your baby between 28 and 43 weeks old (based on pregnancy dating)?
Have you and the doctors agreed your baby will receive full medical care if needed?
Is your baby free of any major known birth defects or genetic problems?
Will your baby be born at one of the hospitals taking part in this study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If a baby is eligible and joins the study, the medical team at the hospital will follow the study's guidelines for how to perform CPR if the baby needs it after birth. This means they will use either the standard 3:1 Compression:Ventilation ratio or the new technique called CC+SI. The choice of technique will be made randomly, like flipping a coin, so it's fair across all participating hospitals. The medical team will then continue to provide the best possible care for the baby as usual. The study will mainly involve observing the baby's health outcomes during their initial stay in the hospital, so there won't be any extra visits or assessments specifically for the study beyond the excellent care already provided.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefit of taking part in this study is that it will help us understand the safest and most effective way to provide CPR for newborn babies. Either method being tested is a recognised way of providing care, and the goal is to improve future care for all babies. There are no additional risks identified beyond the usual excellent medical care babies receive in this critical situation, as the study focuses on comparing two established or promising techniques. You always have the right to withdraw your baby from the study at any time without affecting the quality of care they receive.

Locations (1)

Royal Alexandra Hospital
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada

Common questions

What is 'cardiac arrest' in a newborn?

It means a baby's heart has stopped or is severely struggling to pump blood around their body, needing immediate medical help.

What is CPR for a newborn?

It's a medical procedure involving chest compressions and help with breathing, done by trained staff to restart or support a baby's heart and lungs.

Why are you studying different CPR techniques?

Experts want to find out which method of chest compressions is most effective and safest for newborn babies, as current guidelines are based mostly on animal studies.

Will my baby get extra medications or treatments because of the study?

No, the study is comparing two ways of doing chest compressions during CPR, not introducing new medications or additional treatments beyond standard excellent care.

Is this study safe for my baby?

Yes, both CPR techniques being compared are either standard practice or a promising new approach, and the study aims to improve care safely.

How to find out more

Caroline Fray

caroline.fray@albertahealthservices.ca +1 (780) 613-5237‬ Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.