CPR Effectiveness Questioned in Obese Patients: A Scoping Review Reveals Challenges

Is CPR Less Effective on Obese Patients? A Doctor Weighs In Recent studies have shed light on the challenges faced when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on obese individuals. A new scoping review published in late 2024 examined the effectiveness of CPR techniques on obese patients, revealing mixed results for adults and consistently poorer outcomes for children. The findings highlight the need for further research and potential adjustments to CPR protocols to improve outcomes for this patient population. "Obese patients are harder to resuscitate," explains Dr. Chintan Dave, an ICU doctor who frequently addresses this topic on social media. He elaborates that the increased body mass can significantly impair the depth and effectiveness of chest compressions, a critical element of CPR. This physical limitation can reduce the chances of successful resuscitation. The 2024 scoping review analyzed 36 studies, including both pediatric and adult cases, revealing that while adult outcomes were variable, obese children consistently showed worse neurological outcomes, lower survival rates, and a reduced likelihood of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Despite these findings, the review did not recommend immediate changes to standard CPR protocols, emphasizing the need for more research and potentially adjusted techniques for obese patients. The inconsistencies in adult outcomes underscore the complexity of the issue and the need for further investigation into the impact of obesity on CPR success rates. The consistently poor outcomes for obese children, however, highlight the urgent need for improved techniques and potentially modified CPR protocols tailored to this population.