[Post-natal respiratory disorders and hypothyroidism. Polygraphic study of a case]

A new-born baby with hypothyroidism showed only one clinical manifestation of the condition. There were repeated lasting attacks of apnoea, and periodic respiration was demonstrated by polygraphic recordings. These recordings, made during the waking periods and sleep, between the 10th day and 7th month, showed the evolution of the apnoea and periodic respiration as a function of the two treatments applied. Theophylline had a symptomatic effect on both respiratory phenomena, which reappeared after stopping treatment. The apnoea and periodic respiration disappeared after the administration of thyroid extract.