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Heart rate variability responses to nipple feeding for preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: three case

Gail C McCain1, Amy M Knupp, Jessica Loucas Fontaine

  • 1University of Miami, School of Nursing and Health Studies, Coral Gables, FL, USA. gmccain@miami.edu <gmccain@miami.edu>

Journal of Pediatric Nursing
|May 1, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) showed increased sympathetic heart rate activity during nipple feeding. Despite this, they effectively balanced autonomic nervous system influences for cardiorespiratory stability.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Physiology
  • Cardiorespiratory Health
  • Autonomic Nervous System Function

Background:

  • Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) experience cardiorespiratory challenges impacting feeding transitions.
  • Gavage feeding is often prolonged in these infants, delaying oral feeding milestones.
  • Heart rate variability (HRV) is a key indicator of autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation and cardiorespiratory stability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the heart rate variability (HRV) responses in preterm infants diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
  • To describe the autonomic nervous system's adaptation during the critical transition from gavage to nipple feeding in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • A case study approach was employed, focusing on three preterm infants with BPD.
  • Heart rate variability (HRV) was monitored to assess autonomic nervous system activity.
  • Measurements were taken during the transition from gavage to nipple feeding, including a 10-minute postfeeding period.

Main Results:

  • Infants exhibited increased sympathetic nervous system activity in response to nipple feeding.
  • This heightened sympathetic influence persisted into the 10-minute period following feeding.
  • The infants demonstrated the capacity to balance sympathetic and parasympathetic inputs during the physiological demands of feeding.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm infants with BPD can manage autonomic nervous system adjustments during nipple feeding.
  • Despite initial sympathetic increases, cardiorespiratory stability is maintained through ANS regulation.
  • HRV analysis offers valuable insights into feeding tolerance and cardiorespiratory adaptation in BPD infants.

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