title: Low-power system for the acquisition of the respiratory signal of neonates using diaphragmatic electromyography.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  An apnea episode is defined as the cessation of breathing for ≥15 seconds or as any suspension of breathing accompanied by hypoxia and bradycardia. Obtaining information about the respiratory system in a neonate can be accomplished using electromyography signals from the diaphragm muscle.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this paper is to illustrate a method by which the respiratory and electrocardiographic signals from neonates can be obtained using diaphragmatic electromyography.
  
  
  METHODS
  The system was developed using single-supply, micropower components, which deliver a low-power consumption system appropriate for the development of portable devices. The stages of the system were tested in both adult and neonate patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The system delivers signals as those expected in both patients and allows the acquisition of respiratory signals directly from the diaphragmatic electromyography.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This low-power system may present a good alternative for monitoring the cardiac and respiratory activity in newborn babies, both in the hospital and at home.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The system delivers good signals but needs to be validated for its use in neonates. It is being used in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital General de Medellín Luz Castro de Gutiérrez.
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Engineering Department, Universidad EIA, Envigado; Biomedical Engineering Department, Universidad CES.
authors.forename: Róbinson
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Torres
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Engineering Department, Universidad EIA, Envigado; Biomedical Engineering Department, Universidad CES.
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: López-Isaza
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Engineering Department, Universidad EIA, Envigado; Biomedical Engineering Department, Universidad CES.
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mejía-Mejía
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Engineering Department, Universidad EIA, Envigado; Biomedical Engineering Department, Universidad CES.
authors.forename: Viviana
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Paniagua
authors.affiliation: Neonathology Department, Hospital General de Medellín Luz Castro de Gutiérrez, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia.
authors.forename: Víctor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: González
keywords: apnea; diaphragm; electromyography; neonates; respiratory signal