Abstract
To determine the influence of RDS on chest wall (CW) movements 6 infants (B.W. 1.7±.3Kg,G.A. 32±2 wks) with mild RDS requiring O2 for ≥3 days and 8 infants (B.W. 1.7±.5Kg, G.A. 33±2 wks) without cardiopulmonary disease were studied for 60 min on days 1,3 and 7. We determined CW movements by strain gauges over upper (URC), lower (LRC) ribcage and abdomen, airflow by nasal thermistor, transcutaneous(Tc) PO2 and PCO2 and behavioral state through out each study. Asynchronous (Asyn) CW movement was defined as inward ribcage motion during inspiration. Total duration of apneic episodes ≥5 sec was calculated/hour. Asyn URC movements and apneic time increased abruptly by day 7 in infants with RDS and gradually in the non-RDS group. LRC was largely Asyn in both gps.
TcPO2, TcPCO2 and behavioral state did not differ between groups or over time. These data suggest that RDS enhances respiratory drive and intercostal muscle activity with a resultant decrease in Asyn URC movements and apnea. The comparable blood gases of the two groups suggest that nonchemical factors are responsible for the increased respiratory drive in infants with RDS.
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Carlo, W., Martin, R., Versteeah, F. et al. 1634 CHANGING PATTERN OF CHEST WALL MOVEMENTS IN RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME (RDS). Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 715 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01651
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01651