Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2025

Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
09:31

Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography

Published on: January 27, 2023

1.0K

The association between patterns of early respiratory disease and diastolic dysfunction in preterm infants

Koert de Waal1,2, Edward Crendal3,4, Amy Chin-Yu Poon5

  • 1John Hunter Children's Hospital, department of neonatology, Newcastle, NSW, Australia. koert.dewaal@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au.

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|February 24, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Early respiratory dysfunction in preterm infants is linked to diastolic dysfunction. This finding highlights the importance of monitoring cardiac health in vulnerable newborns with breathing challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Respiratory Physiology

Background:

  • Preterm infants, particularly those born before 29 weeks' gestation, are at high risk for both respiratory and cardiac complications.
  • Early identification of cardiac issues like diastolic dysfunction is crucial for improving outcomes in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between distinct clinical patterns of early respiratory disease and the presence of diastolic dysfunction in preterm infants.
  • To explore potential risk factors and indicators, such as left atrial strain (LASR), for diastolic dysfunction in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Cardiac ultrasounds were performed on 98 preterm infants (<29 weeks' gestation) at two time points: around day 7 and days 14-21 post-birth.
  • Respiratory dysfunction was categorized into stable (ST), respiratory deterioration (RD), or early persistent respiratory dysfunction (EPRD) based on oxygen requirements.
  • Diastolic dysfunction was assessed using a multi-parameter approach, including left atrial strain (LASR).

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of ST, RD, and EPRD patterns was 53%, 21%, and 26%, respectively.
  • Diastolic dysfunction was more common in infants with RD and EPRD patterns.
  • Risk factors for diastolic dysfunction included patent ductus arteriosus and significant growth restriction; lower LASR was observed in the EPRD group.

Conclusions:

  • Clinical patterns of early respiratory dysfunction are significantly associated with diastolic dysfunction in preterm infants.
  • These findings underscore the need for integrated respiratory and cardiac monitoring in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Continuous Telemetric In Utero Tracheal Pressure Measurements in Fetal Lambs05:40

Continuous Telemetric In Utero Tracheal Pressure Measurements in Fetal Lambs

Published on: December 22, 2023

343
Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation05:51

Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Published on: January 31, 2025

671

Related Concept Videos

Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm01:29

Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm

Respiratory Depth
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
1.7K
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion01:30

Respiratory 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...
348
Breathing01:05

Breathing

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...
60.0K
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection01:27

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection

Physical assessment of the respiratory tract through inspection is a crucial step in understanding the patient's respiratory health. It provides insights into the functioning of the respiratory system, the musculoskeletal structure, and even the patient's nutritional status. This comprehensive approach involves observing several vital aspects: chest configuration, breathing patterns, respiratory rates, skin color, and use of accessory muscles.
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration...
362
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation01:17

Pulmonary 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...
1.7K
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation01:31

Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation

In assessing respiratory abnormalities, palpation and auscultation are critical tools for detecting and interpreting various pathophysiological changes. These techniques provide insight into underlying disorders by evaluating tactile sensations and sounds produced by the respiratory system.
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
593