Abstract
Periodic breathing (P.B.) is observed in between 30-95% of premature infants during sleep and is thought to be normal. Xanthines are effective in reducing P.B. The effacacy of theophylline (T) on transcutaneous oxygen (TcO2) in the treatment of P.B. has not been studied. To study the physiologic effect of P.B. we have evaluated 10 premature infants before and after xanthine. Premature infants with 20-40% P.B. identified by 12 hours impedance pneumogram were prospectively evaluated at 33-35 weeks post conception. All infants were free of medications, respiratory support and lung disease. Heart rate, respiratory rate, TcO2 and extraocular movements (EOM) were monitored continuously for 4 hours. TcO2 measurements were analyzed in the same infant during the 4 hours of study following - 1) a continuous episode of P.B. of 7-10 minutes duration in the absence of apnea, 2) after 10 minutes of spontaneous regular respirations during quiet sleep, 3) after 10 minutes of P.B. decreased to 0.9 - 8%.
TcO2 is significantly lower (P<.001) in premature infants with continuous P.B. for 7-10 minutes as compared with spontaneous as well as theophylline induced regular breathing. Is excessive P.B. harmful for some premature infants?
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Karna, P., Dolakski, E. 1422 THE EFFECT OF PERIODIC BREATHING ON TRANSCUTANEOUS - OXYGEN. Pediatr Res 19, 347 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01446
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01446