Accurate Recognition and Effective Treatment of Ventricular Fibrillation by Automated External Defibrillators in Adolescents

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Abstract
Objectives. To evaluate the accuracy and efficacy of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in patients 8 years of age. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study of children Results. AEDs were used to assess cardiac rhythm in 18 patients with a mean age of 12.1 ± 3.7 years. The cardiac rhythms were analyzed 67 times and included ventricular fibrillation (25), asystole/pulseless electrical activity (32), sinus bradycardia (6), and sinus tachycardia (4). The AEDs recognized all nonshockable rhythms accurately and advised no shock. Ventricular fibrillation was recognized accurately in 22 (88%) of 25 episodes and advised or administered a shock 22 times. Sensitivity and specificity for accurate rhythm analysis were 88% and 100%, respectively. One patient with a nonshockable rhythm survived, whereas 3 of 9 patients with ventricular fibrillation survived. Conclusions. These data furnish evidence that AEDs provide accurate rhythm detection and shock delivery to children and young adolescents. AED use is potentially as effective for children as it is for adults.