Respiratory inhibition with hypoxemia in healthy infants

Abstract Objective The goal of this study was to verify the details of respiratory inhibition in healthy infants. Study design: The author screened for respiratory inhibition in 1,097 infants who weighed at least 2,000 g and who were born at a gestational age of at least 36 weeks. Respiratory inhibition was defined as severe hypoxemia, accompanied by clinical manifestations of central cyanosis and a decrease in SpO2 < 70%. Respiratory inhibition consists of feeding hypoxemia, respiratory inhibition after crying (RIAC), and respiratory inhibition after regurgitation (RIAR). Results Respiratory inhibition was observed in 503 infants, including feeding hypoxemia in 446, RIAC in 208 and RIAR in 32. Almost all infants with RIAC and RIAR recovered until discharge. However, 160 infants with feeding hypoxemia needed additional feeding control after Day 4. Conclusions Respiratory inhibition was often observed in healthy infants. Mothers of infants with feeding hypoxemia should receive careful nursing guidance.