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Persistence of the biphasic ventilatory response to hypoxia in preterm infants

R J Martin1, J M DiFiore, L Jana

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-6010, USA.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|June 17, 1998
PubMed

Insights

The biphasic ventilatory response to hypoxia in preterm infants persists into the second month of life. This response involves a transient increase in tidal volume and a sustained decrease in respiratory frequency, impacting neonatal apnea vulnerability.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal physiology
  • Respiratory control

Background:

  • Preterm infants exhibit unique respiratory control patterns.
  • Understanding ventilatory responses to hypoxia is crucial for preterm infant care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the postnatal maturation of the biphasic ventilatory response to hypoxia in preterm infants.
  • To determine if this response persists beyond the initial weeks of life.
  • To assess the roles of respiratory frequency and tidal volume in this response.

Main Methods:

  • Stable preterm infants were studied at two postnatal ages: 2-3 weeks and 4-8 weeks.
  • Infants were exposed to hypoxic conditions (15% or 13% inspired oxygen).
  • Ventilation, oxygen saturation, end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and heart rate were continuously monitored.

Main Results:

  • A biphasic ventilatory response to hypoxia was observed at both postnatal ages.
  • Tidal volume transiently increased, peaking at 1 minute.
  • Respiratory frequency decreased due to prolonged expiratory time, irrespective of periodic breathing.

Conclusions:

  • The biphasic ventilatory response to hypoxia is present in preterm infants up to the second month of postnatal life.
  • This sustained response may relate to the increased risk of neonatal apnea in these infants.
Abstract

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