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Respiration patterns during feeding in Rett syndrome
R E Morton1, R Bonas, J Minford
1Derbyshire Children's Hospital and Ronnie MacKeith Child Development Centre, Derby, UK.
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|October 31, 1997
Summary
Individuals with Rett syndrome exhibit altered respiration during feeding, impacting their ability to eat. Apnea duration during swallowing is a key factor influencing feeding efficiency and time.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Speech and Language Pathology
Background:
- Rett syndrome commonly presents with oropharyngeal abnormalities leading to feeding difficulties.
- Understanding respiration's role in feeding is crucial for managing Rett syndrome complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate respiratory regulation during feeding in individuals with Rett syndrome.
- To determine the impact of respiratory patterns on feeding ability.
Main Methods:
- Studied respiration in 28 individuals with Rett syndrome during feeding.
- Recorded nasal airflow, chest/abdominal movements, and swallow sounds.
- Utilized videofluoroscopy with respiration monitoring in six participants.
Main Results:
- Identified distinct respiratory patterns correlated with time to first swallow and neurological status.
- Found that time spent in apnea was a significant factor.
- Observed that apneas often occurred with pharyngeal liquid delay, but less severe disability mitigated this.
Conclusions:
- Respiratory regulation, particularly apnea duration, is critical for feeding in Rett syndrome.
- Neurological status and disability level influence the ability to manage respiratory challenges during feeding.
- Findings can inform interventions to improve feeding outcomes for individuals with Rett syndrome.