What is the most common cause of cardiopulmonary arrest in infants and children?

The most common cause of cardiopulmonary arrest in infants and children is respiratory arrest. In this age group, respiratory issues often precede cardiac events; that is, many cardiac arrests are a result of initial respiratory failure. Infants and small children have smaller airways which can become obstructed more easily, leading to diminished oxygenation and ultimately resulting in arrest if not quickly addressed.

An obstruction due to choking, for example, can lead to hypoxia, and if the respiratory distress is not resolved, this can progress to respiratory arrest, subsequently triggering cardiac arrest. In both infants and children, conditions such as asthma, viral infections, and pneumonia can also lead to significant respiratory compromise, highlighting the importance of maintaining an open airway and adequate ventilation in these populations.

In contrast, while cardiac dysrhythmias, severe chest trauma, and drug overdoses do contribute to cardiopulmonary arrest, they are less common causes in the pediatric population. With infants and children, the progression from respiratory distress to cardiac arrest is much more prevalent, making respiratory issues the key factor to address in this context.