Attenuated pediatric electrode pads for automated external defibrillator use in children

Objective: This post-market, observational study is intended to evaluate reported uses of pediatric pads that reduce the energy delivered by some adult automated external defibrillators (AEDs) so that they may be used with pediatric patients. Methods: Users of the pediatric pads were asked to report any use of the pads, even if no shock was delivered and to provide detailed information about the event, caregiver and the patient. Results: Reports of the use of pediatric pads have been received and confirmed for 27 patients, age range 0 days to 23 years, median 2 years. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was reported in eight cases, age range 4.5 months to 10 years, median 3 years. Shocks were delivered to all VF patients, the average shock number was 1.9, range 1-4. All patients had termination of VF, were admitted to the hospital and five survived to hospital discharge. Non-shockable rhythms were reported in 16 patients, and the AED appropriately did not advise a shock. Eleven of these patients had asystole or PEA as their initial rhythm and did not survive to hospital discharge. One report contained no additional information other than that the patient did not survive, and in two other reports, the pads were not applied to patients. Conclusions: Voluntary reports of the use of attenuated pediatric defibrillation pads indicate the devices performed appropriately. All eight VF patients had termination of VF and five survived to hospital discharge. These data support the rapid deployment of AEDs for young children as well as adolescents and adults. Since the pediatric pads are available and deliver an appropriate dose for children, their use should be strongly encouraged. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.