Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
06:15
Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
Respiratory flutter syndrome in a neonate
Nalinikanth Panigrahy1, Poddutoor Preetham Kumar, Dinesh Kumar Chirla
1Department of Neonatology, Rainbow Childrens Hospital and Perinatal Centre, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Indian Pediatrics
|March 12, 2013
Summary
Respiratory flutter, a rare infant disorder causing diaphragm spasms, presented as severe breathing distress. Chlorpromazine effectively managed this condition, offering a new treatment avenue.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Respiratory flutter, or diaphragmatic flutter, is an uncommon condition involving involuntary, high-frequency diaphragm contractions.
- It is exceptionally rare in infants, with only seven cases previously documented.
Observation:
- A newborn presented with life-threatening respiratory distress immediately after birth.
- Clinical and fluoroscopic findings indicated diaphragmatic flutter, with a high respiratory rate (120-154 breaths/min).
- The infant also exhibited dysphagia and laryngomalacia, complicating the presentation.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of respiratory flutter was confirmed by the absence of other significant pathologies.
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) provided partial symptom relief.
- Chlorpromazine administration led to significant symptom improvement.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of respiratory flutter in neonates.
- Chlorpromazine emerges as a potential therapeutic agent for managing this rare disorder.
- Further research into the pathophysiology and treatment of infant respiratory flutter is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:05Breathing
The process of breathing, inhaling and exhaling, involves the coordinated movement of the chest wall, the lungs, and the muscles that move them. Two muscle groups with important roles in breathing are the diaphragm, located directly below the lungs, and the intercostal muscles, which lie between the ribs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and creating more room for the lungs to expand. When the intercostal muscles contract, the ribs...
01:17Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
01:23Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Respiratory failure can manifest suddenly or gradually, characterized by a rapid decline in PaO2 and a rapid rise in PaCO2. This situation indicates a severe respiratory problem that may quickly become a life-threatening emergency. One of the early signs of hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is a change in mental status due to the brain's sensitivity to oxygen levels and changes in acid-base balance. Symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and agitation suggest inadequate oxygen...
01:22Cardiopulmonary 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...
01:30Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Respiratory system abnormalities are a significant concern in healthcare due to their potential to indicate underlying severe conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia. These abnormalities can often be detected through physical examination methods like inspection and percussion.
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
01:26Respiratory 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...