Lung function and the Hering Breuer reflex in the neonatal period

Lung function and the occurrence of the Hering Breuer reflex during the neonatal period has been investigated. To assess the effect of extrauterine and intrauterine maturation on the strength of the reflex both preterm and term infants were recruited. Ten preterm infants, born at a median gestational age of 29.5 weeks (range 27-34) were studied serially over the first four weeks of life and 10 term infants were studied at a median postnatal age of 1.5 days (1-4). All of the infants were recruited from the neonatal unit and initially had had some form of respiratory distress. Respiratory rate, tidal volume and compliance were measured and end inspiratory occlusion performed in an attempt to provoke the Hering Breuer reflex. The Hering Breuer reflex was provoked in all infants on all occasions. There was no difference in the strength of the reflex between the preterm and term infants or preterm infants studied at different postnatal ages. All infants studied regardless of maturity or postnatal age had non-compliant lungs and a rapid respiratory rate. These data suggest a lack of intrauterine and extrauterine maturation of the Hering Breuer reflex in the neonatal period amongst infants with non-compliant lungs.