Pulseless electrical activity in paediatric ALS
Last reviewed 01/2018
The management of pulseless electrical activity in children is similar to that in adults in that basic life support is actively performed and any reversible cause sought and managed appropriately.
The commonest cause of PEA in a paediatric context is likely to be due to hypovolaemia and this needs to be treated immediately and aggressively to prevent any deterioration to asystole. Other causes include: hypothermia, electrolyte imbalance, drug overdose cardiac tamponade and tension pneumothorax. The latter may occur for example in an intensive care context in infants being ventilated for bronchiolitis, due to air trapping.
protocol for asystole or pulseless electrical activity in paediatric ALS