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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
05:28
Electrophysiology on Isolated Brainstem-spinal Cord Preparations from Newborn Rodents Allows Neural Respiratory Network Output Recording
Published on: November 19, 2015
Respiratory inhibition after crying in infants
Hideki Minowa1, Satomi Kubo, Hiroyuki Yoshizawa
1Division of Pediatrics, Nara Hospital, Kinki University School of Medicine, Ikoma, Nara, Japan. nicu@m3.kcn.ne.jp
Summary
Cranial ultrasonography can identify full-term neonates at risk for respiratory inhibition after crying, a condition marked by decreased SpO2. Theophylline effectively treated these episodes, suggesting a potential preventative screening method.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Full-term neonates can experience respiratory inhibition post-crying, characterized by significant SpO2 decrease.
- Associated cranial findings include increased echogenicity or cysts in the ganglionic eminence or subependymal region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively examine the link between post-crying respiratory inhibition and specific cranial ultrasound findings.
- To investigate potential prevention and treatment strategies for this neonatal episode.
Main Methods:
- Cranial ultrasonography screened 381 full-term neonates.
- Polygraphy was performed on neonates with identified cranial abnormalities (n=104) and a control group (n=50).
- Respiratory inhibition was defined as central apnea post-crying with SpO2 <60%.
Main Results:
- 104 of 381 neonates had cranial abnormalities; 60 experienced respiratory inhibition.
- Oxygen therapy was ineffective for 17 neonates with severe inhibition.
- Theophylline successfully treated episodes, normalizing SpO2, and was discontinued by 6 months.
Conclusions:
- Respiratory inhibition with SpO2 decrease after crying occurs in term neonates without other birth abnormalities.
- Cranial ultrasonography is a viable screening tool for identifying at-risk neonates.
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