Sidestream end-tidal capnometry as related to infant's position and maturation.
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of body position on sidestream, end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) wave measurements in maturing infants. Sidestream EtCO2 wave patterns were analysed longitudinally in 20 preterm infants (born at > or = 32 wk) at 32-37 wk gestation, and in 39 full-term controls. Capnography measurements included maximal EtCO2, inspired CO2 and frequency of apnoea events (>3 s) in the supine, supine with inclination, side and prone positions. Apnoea frequency decreased during maturation, and was less prevalent in the prone than in the supine and side positions in preterm as well as in term infants (p < 0.05). No clinically significant apnoea episodes were found in our cohort. EtCO2 in term infants was lower than that in preterm infants (p < 0.05) and was not affected by sleep position in the most premature (<33 wk) and in term infants (>36 wk). EtCO2 was higher in the prone position than in supine or side positions in infants between 33 and 35 wk gestation (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Short apnoeic episodes decrease during maturation, and are less prevalent in the prone position in maturing infants (32-37 wk). Only modest changes in EtCO2 were recorded in the different positions during maturation.
Kugelman
A
A
Neonatal Department, Bnai-Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.
Bilker
A
A
Bader
D
D
Cohen
A
A
Tirosh
E
E
D001724:Birth Weight; D019296:Capnography; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis*; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000502:physiology; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013990:Tidal Volume / Q000502:physiology*
D002245:Carbon Dioxide