CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF AIRWAY SUCTIONING IN INFANTS WITH H.M.D. ON ASSISTED VENTILATION

Abstract

EKG and beat to beat heart rate (HR) were recorded during endotracheal suctioning in 10 premature infants with severe HMD receiving assisted ventilation. Birth weight and gestational age ranged from 750-2000 Gms and 24-36 weeks. Studies were carried out at a mean age of 12 days. Each infant was studied 4 times during suction of the airway. Two procedures were preceded by 30 sec. of bagging with increased ambient oxygen. Each record was analyzed for changes in EKG, baseline HR (BLHR), magnitude of peak drop in HR (PM), time of baseline to peak drop (BL-PD) and time of peak drop to baseline (PD-BL).

In addition to more profound HR drop, the duration of brady-cardia was significantly prolonged in all instances when oxygenation did not precede suctioning. Severe sinus bradycardia or sinus arrest were observed in 5 patients only when suctioned without prior oxygenation. These findings suggest that prior oxygenation prevents severe cardiac arrhythmias associated with hypoxia-inducing procedures commonly used during intensive neonatal care.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account

Continue with Google

Continue with ORCiD