2025 Korean Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Part 9. Neonatal resuscitation.
Clinical and Experimental Emergency Medicine · 2026-05-01 · Guideline / consensus
Abstract
The 2025 Korean Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation provide updated, evidence-based recommendations to optimize the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life. While approximately 85% of term newborns initiate spontaneous breathing independently, timely intervention is critical for those requiring assistance. Key updates in the 2025 guidelines emphasize umbilical cord management, recommending deferred cord clamping for at least 60 seconds in vigorous term and preterm infants (<37 weeks). When deferred cord clamping cannot be performed, intact umbilical cord milking may be reasonable for nonvigorous term and late preterm infants (≥35 weeks' gestation) and for preterm infants born between 28⁰⁄₇ and 36⁶⁄₇ weeks' gestation who do not require immediate resuscitation. Respiratory support should be initiated within the "golden minute," starting with 21% oxygen for term and late preterm infants (≥35 weeks) and ≥30% for those <32 weeks' gestation. The guidelines introduce video laryngoscopy as a preferred tool for less experienced providers and recognize supraglottic airways as a viable alternative to face masks or when intubation fails. For advanced resuscitation, a compression to ventilation ratio of 3:1 is maintained, with intravascular epinephrine (0.01-0.03 mg/kg) as the primary pharmacologic intervention. Notably, the use of sodium bicarbonate is no longer recommended. Discussions regarding the discontinuation of resuscitation are now suggested at approximately 20 minutes after birth if no response is observed. These guidelines aim to standardize clinical practice in Korea to improve neonatal survival and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Tags
Adrenaline · Cardiovascular drugs · Endotracheal intubation · Neonates · Other drugs · Oxygen · Sodium bicarbonate · Supraglottic airway · Video laryngoscopy
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