Background
Manual tactile stimulation is used to counteract apnea in preterm infants, but it is unknown when this intervention should be applied. We compared an anticipatory to a reactive approach using vibrotactile stimulation to prevent hypoxia induced apneas.
Methods
Preterm rabbit kittens were prematurely delivered and randomized to either group. All kittens breathed spontaneously with a positive airway pressure of 8 cmH2O while they were imaged using phase contrast X-ray. Irregular breathing (IB) was induced using gradual hypoxia. The anticipatory group received stimulation at the onset of IB and the reactive group if IB transitioned into apnea. Breathing rate (BR), heart rate (HR) and functional residual capacity (FRC) were compared.
Results
Anticipatory stimulation significantly reduced apnea incidence and maximum inter-breath intervals and increased BR following IB, compared to reactive stimulation. Recovery in BR but not HR...
Show moreBackground
Manual tactile stimulation is used to counteract apnea in preterm infants, but it is unknown when this intervention should be applied. We compared an anticipatory to a reactive approach using vibrotactile stimulation to prevent hypoxia induced apneas.
Methods
Preterm rabbit kittens were prematurely delivered and randomized to either group. All kittens breathed spontaneously with a positive airway pressure of 8 cmH2O while they were imaged using phase contrast X-ray. Irregular breathing (IB) was induced using gradual hypoxia. The anticipatory group received stimulation at the onset of IB and the reactive group if IB transitioned into apnea. Breathing rate (BR), heart rate (HR) and functional residual capacity (FRC) were compared.
Results
Anticipatory stimulation significantly reduced apnea incidence and maximum inter-breath intervals and increased BR following IB, compared to reactive stimulation. Recovery in BR but not HR was more likely with anticipatory stimulation, although both BR and HR were significantly higher at 120 s after stimulation onset. FRC values and variability were not different.
Conclusions
Anticipated vibrotactile stimulation is more effective in preventing apnea and enhancing breathing when compared to reactive stimulation in preterm rabbits. Stimulation timing is likely to be a key factor in reducing the incidence and duration of apnea.
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