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Effect of sitting position on respiratory status in preterm infants

Mika Shiraishi1, Kyoko Hirasawa, Satoru Shimizu

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan. mikas@ped.twmu.ac.jp

Journal of Perinatal Medicine
|March 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Using sitting-type car safety seats for preterm infants may cause desaturation due to respiratory immaturity. Careful monitoring and polysomnographic screening in a sitting position are recommended for these infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care
  • Pediatric safety
  • Respiratory physiology

Background:

  • Preterm infants possess immature respiratory systems.
  • Car safety seats are common for infant transport.
  • The impact of sitting positions on preterm infant respiration is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the safety and physiological effects of using sitting-type car safety seats for preterm infants.
  • To identify potential risks associated with car seat use in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • Polysomnography was conducted on 65 preterm infants in both supine and sitting positions.
  • Infants experiencing oxygen desaturation (SpO2 <95%) were categorized into a desaturation (DS) group.
  • Breathing patterns and types were analyzed in the DS group.

Main Results:

  • 18 out of 65 infants (27.7%) were classified into the DS group.
  • No significant background differences were found between DS and non-DS infants.
  • The majority of DS infants (15/18) exhibited non-obstructive breathing issues like periodic breathing or tachypnea.

Conclusions:

  • Respiratory center immaturity and decompensation in the sitting position likely cause desaturation in preterm infants.
  • Sitting-type car safety seats should be used cautiously in preterm infants.
  • Polysomnographic screening in a sitting position is advised for all preterm infants before car seat use.
Abstract

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