Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Preoxygenation Techniques for Tracheal Intubation in Critically Ill Adults Utilizing Oxygen Mask and Noninvasive Ventilation
07:15

Preoxygenation Techniques for Tracheal Intubation in Critically Ill Adults Utilizing Oxygen Mask and Noninvasive Ventilation

Published on: December 5, 2025

Spontaneous breathing patterns of very preterm infants treated with continuous positive airway pressure at birth

Arjan B te Pas1, Peter G Davis, C Omar F Kamlin

  • 1Division of Newborn Services, Royal Women's Hospital, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia.

Pediatric Research
|May 7, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Very preterm infants often prolong expiration after birth using breathing techniques like expiratory braking. This study analyzed breathing patterns in infants receiving continuous positive airway pressure.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal physiology
  • Respiratory mechanics in preterm infants

Background:

  • Limited data exists on spontaneous breathing patterns in very preterm infants immediately after birth.
  • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a common treatment for these infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the spontaneous breathing patterns of very preterm infants treated with facemask CPAP at birth.
  • To analyze the inspiratory and expiratory phases of breathing in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Studied a sample of spontaneously breathing infants with gestational age <= 32 weeks.
  • Measured airway pressure and flow to analyze each breath.
  • Analyzed 792 breaths from 12 infants.

Main Results:

  • Inspiratory duration was consistent across all breaths (0.36 s).
  • Five distinct expiratory patterns were observed, with 79% of breaths showing prolonged expiration via flow interruption or braking.
  • Expiration was braked in 47% of breaths, with grunting/crying in 22% and interrupted expiration in 10%.

Conclusions:

  • Most very preterm infants treated with CPAP at birth prolong their expiration.
  • Expiratory braking is a frequent mechanism used by these infants to manage breathing.
  • Understanding these breathing patterns is crucial for neonatal respiratory care.

More Related Videos

Continuous Telemetric In Utero Tracheal Pressure Measurements in Fetal Lambs05:40

Continuous Telemetric In Utero Tracheal Pressure Measurements in Fetal Lambs

Published on: December 22, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Ventilatory Modes01:14

Ventilatory Modes

Mechanical ventilators are life-saving devices that support or replace spontaneous breathing. They deliver breaths to patients through varying methods known as ventilator modes. Understanding these modes is critical for healthcare providers managing patients with respiratory failure.
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation01:23

Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation

Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) are essential methods in respiratory care. These ventilation techniques offer unique benefits for patients with various respiratory conditions, providing adequate support without requiring intubation. Let's explore how each method is crucial in improving patient outcomes and enhancing respiratory therapy.
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
Alterations in Respiration II01:30

Alterations in Respiration II

There are numerous types of normal and abnormal respiration. Based on ventilatory movements, breathing patterns are classified as regular, deep, or shallow. Examples include Biot's breathing, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, Kussmaul's breathing, hyperventilation, and hypoventilation. Each pattern is clinically significant and aids in evaluating patients.
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes include...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management01:22

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management

Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned under...
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I01:26

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I

Assessing the respiratory rate and rhythm for a complete minute is crucial for evaluating the breathing pattern. Even a minor increase in the patient's average respiratory rate, by as little as three to five breaths per minute, is an early and vital indicator of respiratory distress. Patients with a respiratory rate exceeding twenty-four breaths per minute require close monitoring to determine the physiological alterations. This careful observation is essential for prompt recognition and...
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation01:23

Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation

Ventilators are essential medical equipment used to aid patients with respiratory difficulties. Their primary function is to assist or replace spontaneous breathing by providing mechanical ventilation. There are two general classes of mechanical ventilators: negative-pressure and positive-pressure ventilators.
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...