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Intermittent hypoxia in supine versus side position in term neonates
Anette Poets1, Michael S Urschitz, Christian F Poets
1Department of Neonatology, University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany.
Pediatric Research
|February 17, 2009
Summary
Newborns sleeping on their backs (supine) had more desaturation events than on their sides. However, intermittent hypoxia in neonates appears rare in both positions, suggesting supine sleeping is likely safe.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Sleep position and infant safety
Background:
- Supine sleeping is recommended for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) prevention.
- Concerns exist regarding potential intermittent hypoxia in neonates sleeping supine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the incidence of intermittent hypoxia in neonates sleeping in supine versus side positions.
- To determine if supine sleeping increases the risk of desaturation events in newborns.
Main Methods:
- A crossover study design involving 609 term neonates.
- Continuous pulse oximeter saturation (Spo2) monitoring, excluding feeding periods.
- Analysis of desaturation events defined as Spo2 <80%/h.
Main Results:
- A mean of 0.11 desaturation events/hour in supine vs. 0.05 events/hour in side position.
- Infants experienced desaturation events more frequently when in the supine position (OR 2.0).
- Despite increased events, the positional effect on outcome is considered potentially too small.
Conclusions:
- Neonates exhibit a higher rate of desaturation events when sleeping supine compared to side position.
- Intermittent hypoxia remains rare in both sleeping positions for term neonates.
- The findings suggest that the increased risk of desaturation in the supine position may not significantly impact infant outcomes.
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