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Respiratory control during nipple feeding in preterm infants
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77550.
Pediatric Pulmonology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Respiratory control is immature in premature infants during feeding, with frequent apnea and bradycardia observed in the first two weeks of nipple feeds. These cardiorespiratory disturbances indicate ongoing developmental challenges in preterm infants at 35-36 weeks postconception.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Developmental Physiology
Background:
- Premature infants often experience cardiorespiratory challenges.
- Assessing respiratory control during feeding is crucial for infant development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the development of respiratory control during feeding in premature infants.
- To evaluate the frequency and nature of cardiorespiratory disturbances during nipple feeding.
Main Methods:
- Polygraphic monitoring was used to assess cardiorespiratory events in 24 premature infants.
- Infants were studied within one week of initiating nipple feeds and reevaluated 7-10 days later.
Main Results:
- During initial feeding, 15 infants had short apnea (≥10 sec) and 3 had prolonged apnea (≥20 sec).
- Bradycardia occurred in 7 infants, preceded by apnea and decreased oxygen saturation.
- Apnea during feeding was significantly more frequent than during sleep (P<0.05).
- Reevaluation showed persistent apnea during sleep in 4 infants.
- Most apneic episodes were mixed apnea.
Conclusions:
- High frequency of cardiorespiratory disturbances during the first 2 weeks of nipple feeding suggests immature respiratory control.
- Preterm infants at 35-36 weeks postconceptional age exhibit significant challenges with respiratory regulation during feeding.