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Slow weight gain is associated with increased periodic breathing in healthy infants

L L Riordan1, D H Kelly, D C Shannon

  • 1Pediatric Pulmonary Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|January 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Slow weight gain in infants is linked to more frequent periodic breathing. This study tracked breathing patterns and weight in newborns, finding a clear connection between slower growth and increased breathing irregularities.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal physiology
  • Infant respiratory health

Background:

  • Periodic breathing is common in healthy infants.
  • Factors influencing periodic breathing require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between infant weight gain and periodic breathing.
  • To determine if weight gain influences the prevalence of periodic breathing in the first two months of life.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 99 full-term infants using nocturnal pneumography.
  • Respiration and heart rate monitored during the first and second months of life.
  • Analysis of percent periodic breathing (%PB) and correlation with weight gain.

Main Results:

  • Median %PB decreased from 0.9 to 0.3 between the first and second months.
  • %PB was inversely correlated with weight gain.
  • Greater weight gain was associated with a significant reduction in %PB.

Conclusions:

  • Slow weight gain in early infancy is associated with increased periodic breathing.
  • Weight gain appears to be a significant factor in resolving periodic breathing patterns.
  • Findings suggest monitoring infant weight gain may be relevant for assessing respiratory patterns.

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