Projects per year
Abstract
Preterm infants are at increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Use of a dummy/pacifier is thought to be protective against SIDS; accordingly, we assessed the effects of dummy/pacifier use on blood pressure, cerebral oxygenation, and heart rate control over the first 6 mo of life after term corrected age (CA) when SIDS risk is greatest. METHODS: Thirty-five preterm infants were studied longitudinally at 2-4 wk, 2-3 mo, and 5-6 mo CA. Cardiac control was assessed from spectral indices of heart rate variability (HRV) in the low frequency (LF) and the high frequency (HF) range, and the ratio of HF/LF indicating sympathovagal balance was calculated. RESULTS: Overall, at 2-3 mo, mean arterial pressure was significantly higher in the supine position in dummy/pacifier users in both quiet sleep (70 +/- 2 vs. 60 +/- 2 mm Hg; P <0.05) and active sleep (74 +/- 3 vs. 69 +/- 2 mm Hg; P <0.05). Dummy/pacifier users had higher LF HRV and LF/HF ratio and lower HF HRV. CONCLUSION: Dummy/pacifier use increased blood pressure during sleep, at the age of greatest SIDS risk. Overall, LF HRV was elevated and HF HRV reduced in dummy/pacifier users, suggesting that dummy use alters cardiac control in preterm infants.Pediatric Research
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 325-332 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Pediatric Research |
Volume | 79 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 2016 |
Projects
- 1 Finished
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Developmental changes in cerebral oxygenation after term and preterm birth
Horne, R. (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI)), Walker, A. (Chief Investigator (CI)) & Wong, F. (Chief Investigator (CI))
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) (Australia)
1/01/11 → 31/12/13
Project: Research