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Characterization of prolonged apneic episodes associated with respiratory syncytial virus infection
D L Pickens1, G L Schefft, G A Storch
1Edward Mallinckrodt Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.
Insights
Infants with respiratory syncytial viral (RSV) infection experienced prolonged apneic spells. Similarities suggest shared causes between RSV apnea, prematurity apnea, and airway reflex apnea.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Neonatal Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Prolonged apneic spells are a concern in infants, particularly those with respiratory infections.
- Understanding the mechanisms of apnea is crucial for effective intervention.
Observation:
- High-speed polygraphic recordings detailed apneic events in two infants with respiratory syncytial viral (RSV) infection.
- Upper airway reflexes were stimulated using saline during sleep.
Findings:
- Two distinct types of spontaneous prolonged apneic spells were observed in infants with RSV.
- Similarities were noted between apnea observed in this study and apnea of prematurity and upper airway reflex apnea.
Implications:
- The findings suggest potentially related causal mechanisms underlying different types of infant apnea.
- Further research into these shared mechanisms could lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for apneic events in infants.
Abstract:
We used high-speed polygraphic recordings to document in detail the sequence of events during prolonged apneic spells in two infants with respiratory syncytial viral (RSV) infection. Also, we elicited upper airway reflexes by stimulating the airway with saline during sleep. Spontaneous prolonged apneic spells were recorded in both infants, and these consisted of two distinctly different apnea types. A number of similarities between apnea of prematurity, upper airway reflex apnea and the apneas in these two infants with RSV infection suggests the possibility that these various kinds of apnea may have related causal mechanisms.