Temperament ratings do not predict arousability in normal infants and infants at increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
This study sought to determine whether temperament was an indicator of arousability from sleep in infants. We hypothesized that the "threshold" dimension would be the most predictive characteristic because it measures the stimulus intensity required to evoke a discernible response. Healthy term, healthy preterm, and preterm infants with a neonatal history of apnea underwent polysomnography at 2 to 3 months. Arousal was induced using air-jet stimulation of the nostrils in active (AS) and quiet sleep (QS). Temperament was assessed using the Early Infancy Temperament Questionnaire. Arousal thresholds were elevated in QS compared with AS in each group ( <.001), and preterm infants with a neonatal history of apnea were less arousable than healthy preterm infants ( <.05). Temperament was not a predictor of arousability in AS. "Adaptability" was the only significant predictor of arousability in QS. This study demonstrates that temperament characteristics as measured by questionnaire may not be reliable indicators of arousability from sleep.
Parslow
Peter M
PM
Department of Paediatrics and Ritchie Centre for Baby Health Research, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Horne
Rosemary S C
RS
Ferens
Dorota
D
Bandopadhayay
Pratiti
P
Mitchell
Kristy
K
Watts
Anne-Maree
AM
Adamson
T Michael
TM
D001143:Arousal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D013398:Sudden Infant Death / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013694:Temperament