Wiping Is as Effective as Suctioning in the Delivery Room

In low-risk newborns, wiping the nose and mouth is as effective as bulb suctioning to clear the oropharynx of secretions.

The current Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) guidelines indicate that nasal or oral suctioning of healthy neonates is not required after delivery and that these interventions should be reserved for infants with obvious obstruction to spontaneous breathing. In addition, small trials have shown that suctioning of the mouth and nose is not necessarily a benign practice and can lead to complications such as bradycardia and apnea.

In a randomized study involving 506 low-risk neonates, investigators at the University of Alabama compared routine wiping versus suctioning with a bulb syringe in the delivery room. Infants with depressed muscle tone or respiration or meconium-stained amniotic fluid were excluded.

The primary endpoint of respiratory …

Reviewing Author

Robin Steinhorn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardActelion Pharmaceuticals

Editorial BoardsJournal of Pediatrics

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Pediatric Society (President); American Board of Pediatrics (Board of Directors)

Robin Steinhorn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardActelion Pharmaceuticals

Editorial BoardsJournal of Pediatrics

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Pediatric Society (President); American Board of Pediatrics (Board of Directors)

Wiping Is as Effective as Suctioning in the Delivery Room

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Reviewing Author