Abstract
To find out whether an abnormal response to mild hypoxia is related to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) we studied the respiratory response to 17% O2 in 30 infants (2-25wk). All were term and healthy at the time of study. Twelve had had a prolonged apneic spell requiring resuscitation(A), 8 were siblings of SIDS victims(SS) and 10 were normal(C). We measured end-tidal PO2 and PCO2, respiratory rate, pattern and heart rate during sleep, 5 mins breathing 21% and 10 mins 17% O2. The incidence of periodic breathing(PB) and the number of apneas ≥ 3 sec were compared among the 3 groups.
Before 6 wk of age, all 3 groups tended to breathe periodically with 17% O2. However, in infants > 6 wk, there was a dramatic difference in SS compared to C. The difference in respiratory rate in 21% vs 17% O2 (ΔRR) was significant in both A and SS but not C.
We conclude that in infants > 6 wk the response to mild hypoxia is markedly different in siblings of SIDS and may identify infants at risk for significant apnea.
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Brady, J., Partridge, C. & Durand, M. 1256 RESPONSE TO MILD HYPOXIA DIFFERS IN SIBLINGS OF SIDS. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 652 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01284
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01284
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