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Disordered respiratory control in children with partial cerebellar resections.
Maida Lynn Chen1, Manisha B Witmans, Mary Anne Tablizo
1Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90027, USA.
Pediatric Pulmonology
|May 10, 2005
Summary
Children with cerebellar resections may experience breathing problems like apnea and hypoventilation due to impaired cerebellar coordination of respiratory muscles. Some require prolonged ventilatory support.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pediatric Oncology
Background:
- The cerebellum's role in respiratory control is traditionally underestimated.
- Breathing relies on cyclic motor acts necessitating cerebellar coordination.
- Cerebellar dysfunction may impact ventilatory muscle synchronization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate respiratory control disorders in children post-partial cerebellar resection.
- To determine the incidence of apnea, hypoventilation, and hypoxemia in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 36 children with partial cerebellar resections for neoplasms.
- Analysis of respiratory parameters including P aCO2, oxygen saturation, and need for ventilation.
- Assessment of swallowing function in relation to apnea events.
Main Results:
- 19% of patients exhibited elevated P aCO2.
- Six patients experienced apnea or bradypnea within the first month.
- Apneic patients had lower oxygen saturation, longer supplemental oxygen need, and older age.
Conclusions:
- Children with cerebellar resections show increased incidence of unexplained apnea, hypoventilation, and hypoxemia.
- Dysfunctional cerebellar coordination of ventilatory muscles may cause these respiratory abnormalities.
- Some patients require prolonged assisted ventilation, highlighting the cerebellum's critical role in respiratory control.