[The effect of postural changes on respiration and blood pressure in premature neonates]

Changes in respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure in supine, orthostatic (45 degrees), and prone position were studied in 23 premature neonates of mean gestational age 34.5 weeks (30-36), mean birth weight 2100 g (1540-2480) and mean postnatal age 52 hours (12-72). The individual positions of the newborn were changed in 5-minute intervals. In the orthostatic position, the respiratory rate decreased, yet heart rate and blood pressure did not change. In pronation, respiration became more regular. In the preceding supine position, the coefficient of variation of the duration of respiratory cycles was 28.2 +/- 3.5%, while in the 1st minute of pronation it was 15.9 +/- 2.4% and in the 5th minute 14.3 +/- 1.9% (p < 0.001). In the 5th minute of pronation systemic blood pressure was increased. (Tab. 1, Fig. 4, Ref. 20).