Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026
Method to Obtain Pattern of Breathing in Senescent Mice through Unrestrained Barometric Plethysmography
Published on: April 28, 2020
The morphology of periodic breathing in infants and adults
Z Weintraub1, D Cates, K Kwiatkowski
1Carmel Medical Center, Neonatal Department, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
Insights
Periodic breathing patterns differ significantly between preterm infants and adults. Infants exhibit a crescendo-decrescendo pattern, while adults show a predominantly decrescendo pattern, indicating developmental changes in respiratory control.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neonatology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Periodic breathing is a common respiratory pattern in infants, particularly preterm infants.
- The morphology of periodic breathing patterns may change with age and development.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for assessing respiratory health in different age groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that the crescendo-decrescendo pattern of periodic breathing is more prevalent in infants than adults.
- To compare the morphologies of periodic breathing across different age groups, from preterm infants to adults.
Main Methods:
- Respiratory pattern and ventilation were measured using a flow-through system in four groups: preterm infants (2 groups), full-term infants, and adults.
- Breathing morphologies were classified based on respiratory flow characteristics.
- Analysis included total breathing cycle duration, phase durations, breaths per interval, and duty cycle.
Main Results:
- Preterm infants predominantly displayed a crescendo-decrescendo breathing pattern (>50%).
- Adults showed a shift towards a predominant decrescendo breathing pattern (50%).
- Breathing cycle duration nearly doubled in adults compared to neonates, while the duty cycle remained consistent.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a developmental shift in the respiratory control system's strategy for periodic breathing from infancy to adulthood.
- This change may be influenced by mechanical and chemoreceptor limitations present in early life.
- The transition from a crescendo-decrescendo to a decrescendo pattern highlights adaptive changes in respiratory regulation with maturation.
Abstract:
To test the hypothesis that the crescendo-decrescendo type of pattern of periodic breathing is more common in infants than in adulthood, we examined the morphologies of periodic breathing in four groups of subjects: group 1 (n=10, gestational age 30+/-1 week), group 2 (n=10, GA 31+/-1 week), group 3 (n=10, GA 38+/-1 week), and group 4 (n=10, age 50+/-4 years). Respiratory pattern and ventilation were measured using a flow-through system. The breathing morphologies were defined according to the respiratory flow. We found (1) a predominant crescendo-decrescendo pattern in preterm infants (groups 1 and 2, >50%) and this changed to a predominant decrescendo breathing in adults (group 4, 50%); (2) total breathing cycle and its phases did not change significantly among the neonatal groups, but they almost doubled in adult subjects; however, the number of breaths per breathing interval remained the same (crescendo-decrescendo) or less (flat and decrescendo) in adults as compared to preterm infants; (3) the duty cycle (breathing interval/cycle duration) remained consistent with age; and (4) at the beginning of each breathing interval, alveolar P(CO2) was highest and alveolar P(O2) and O2 saturation lowest. The findings suggest a change in the strategy of the respiratory control system during periodic breathing between the infant and the adult, perhaps dictated by mechanical and chemoreceptor limitations early in age, with a switch from a crescendo-decrescendo to a predominantly decrescendo pattern.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Mechanism of Breathing I: Inspiration
The respiratory system, an essential network for breathing, comprises the conducting and respiratory zones, each playing a crucial role in the overall process of respiration. Let us explore the detailed mechanism of inspiration, or inhalation, which is the first phase of the respiratory cycle.
Pathway of Air during Inspiration
During inspiration, air enters our body through the nose or mouth and moves through the conducting zone,...
01:26Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I
01:23Mechanism of Breathing II: Expiration
Expiration, or exhaling, is a complex physiological process that begins as the inspiratory muscles begin to relax. This relaxation triggers a series of events that epitomize the efficiency of the respiratory system.
Mechanism of Expiration:
01:29Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
01:30Alterations in Respiration II
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes include...
01:27Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...