Abstract
We wondered whether infants would respond to alternations of inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2) with an alternating reflex respiratory response. Five infants born at term and aged 2-3 days were studied in quiet sleep. Respiration was measured by inductance plethysmography (Respitrace). Respiratory variables were measured on-line by a computer, which also controlled the delivery of inspired gas at 1 1/min via a nasal catheter, switching between two lines supplying air or a hypoxic gas (FiO2 0.16) at the start of alternate expirations. Thus 2-breath alternations of air and hypoxia were delivered for 50-100 breaths (test runs). For control runs air was delivered in both gas lines. Alternations in respiratory variables were quantified for the second of each pair of breaths using a modification of the method of Metias et al (1981). The results showed a significant increase in the alternation of tidal volume, frequency and ventilation during test runs in comparison to control. Thus newborn infants respond to 2-breath alternations in FiO2, presumably via a peripheral chemoreceptor reflex. We are currently developing the method for the assessment of peripheral chemosensitivity.
References:
Metias E.F., et al (1981). Pflugers Arch. 389, 243-250.
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Blanco, C., Degraeuwe, P., Hanson, M. et al. 113: CHEMOREFLEX RESPONSES TO ALTERNATIONS OF FiO2 IN THE NEWBORN INFANT. Pediatr Res 24, 279 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198808000-00138
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198808000-00138