International Journal of Pediatrics最新文献

{"title":"Key Influences on Oral Feeding Achievement in Preterm Infants: Insights From a Tertiary Hospital in Indonesia.","authors":"Putri Maharani Tristanita Marsubrin, Ni Nyoman Berlian Aryadevi, Bernie Endyarni Medise, Yoga Devaera","doi":"10.1155/2024/8880297","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/8880297","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objective</b>: Effective oral feeding is one of the critical milestones that must be achieved by preterm infants. While gestational age and birth weight have been recognized as influential factors, recent studies have found additional variables impacting the achievement of full oral feeding (FOF). This study is aimed at describing factors associated with the attainment of FOF in preterm infants. <b>Methods</b>: This retrospective cohort study examines preterm infants born between 28 and 34 weeks' gestation admitted to Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Jakarta between July and December 2016. Comparative analysis utilized the Kruskal-Wallis test, while Cox's regression was employed for multivariate analysis to assess factors influencing the achievement of FOF. <b>Results</b>: This study included 87 preterm infants meeting the inclusion criteria. The median gestational age was 33 weeks (IQR: 3). The most common birth weight range was 1500-1999 g (51.7%). Median durations from birth to the first feed, full enteral feed, and FOF were observed to be 1 day (IQR: 1), 6 days (IQR: 10), and 14 days (IQR: 24), respectively. Notably, the duration of oxygen therapy, episodes of sepsis, and frequency of blood transfusions showed significant associations with the time taken to achieve FOF. <b>Conclusion</b>: This study found significant associations between the time to achieve FOF and factors such as oxygen therapy duration, sepsis episodes, and frequency of blood transfusion. These findings highlight the importance of considering these factors in managing preterm infants. However, a further prospective study is warranted to identify additional factors that influence feeding milestones in preterm infants.</p>","PeriodicalId":51591,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pediatrics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11419833/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142309105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Frequency of Functional Constipation in Lebanese Children: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Parental Reporting.","authors":"Theresia Tannoury, Jana Assy, Nadine Yazbeck","doi":"10.1155/2024/5183069","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/5183069","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Aim:</b> To determine the frequency and possible associated dietary and environmental factors of functional constipation (FC) among children in Lebanon followed at a single pediatric health system. <b>Method:</b> A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in all pediatrics clinics at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). Children aged 2-7 years presenting for a well-child visit were recruited. Data relating to the child's bowel habits and other history items were obtained from parental questionnaires. <b>Results:</b> The mean age of the 172 recruited participants was 4.94 years with 56.4% being males. FC was present in 32.6% of the participants. Although there was no difference in the frequency of FC based on age and gender, the peak frequency of FC was at 5 years. The daily frequency of withholding stools was 64.3%, and 46.6% of the children with FC always experienced straining while stooling for the past 2 months. Decreased physical activity and diet were not significantly associated with FC. <b>Conclusion:</b> The present study shows that 32.6% of children aged 2-7 years in Lebanon suffer from constipation while only 51.7% of the recruited children's physicians inquire about the child's bowel movement during the well check visit. These numbers highlight the need to raise more awareness among pediatricians on the need to screen for constipation during clinic visits as a standard of care practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":51591,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pediatrics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11366055/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142114612","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Inpatient Growth in Infants Requiring Pharmacologic Treatment for Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome.","authors":"Ashajyothi M Siddappa, Erin Morris, Michael D Evans, Sarah Pelinka, Constance Adkisson","doi":"10.1155/2024/2212688","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/2212688","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Aim:</b> To assess inpatient growth parameter trajectories and to identify the type of opioid exposure and treatment characteristics influencing growth parameters of infants admitted to the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) for pharmacological treatment of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). <b>Methods:</b> Charts of term infants with NOWS admitted to NICU from 2012 to 2019, who received pharmacologic treatment, were reviewed. Intake (volume: mL/kg/day; calorie: kcal/kg/day) and growth parameter trajectories (weight, head circumference, and length) were analyzed based on the type of prenatal opioid exposure (short-acting opioids (SAOs), long-acting opioids (LAOs), and polysubstance), pharmacologic treatment, and sex. Growth measurement patterns over time were compared between groups using longitudinal mixed-effects models. <b>Results:</b> One hundred nineteen infants were included in the study with median birth weight <i>Z</i>-score of -0.19 at birth and decreased to a median of -0.72 at discharge. Exposure to SAO was associated with an increase in <i>Z</i>-scores nearing discharge across all growth parameters (<i>Z</i>-score for weight <i>p</i> = 0.03). Polysubstance exposure was associated with a decrease in <i>Z</i>-scores for length and head circumference throughout hospitalization. Infants with adjunct clonidine treatment had an increase in <i>Z</i>-score for weight trends. Male infants had a decrease in <i>Z</i>-scores for weight (male -0.96, female -0.59, interaction <i>p</i> = 0.06) and length (male -1.17, female -0.57, interaction <i>p</i> = 0.003) at Day 28. Despite the difference in growth trajectories, intake in terms of amount (mL/kg/day) and calorie intake (kcal/kg/day) was similar based on prenatal exposure, treatment, and sex. <b>Conclusion</b>: Infants with NOWS requiring pharmacologic treatment have a decrease in <i>Z</i>-scores for weight, length, and head circumference at birth and at hospital discharge. Infants with prenatal polysubstance exposure were at particular risk for poorer inpatient growth relative to infants exposed to SAO and LAO, indicated by lower <i>Z</i>-scores for length and occipital frontal circumference (OFC).</p>","PeriodicalId":51591,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pediatrics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11366048/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142114613","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Plastic Bronchitis in Children: A Review of 55 Cases over a 10-Year Period.","authors":"Xiaowen Chen, Shangzhi Wu, Zhanhang Huang, Yuneng Lin, Jiaxing Xu, Qingyun Xu, Dehui Chen","doi":"10.1155/2024/9271324","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/9271324","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To summarize the clinical characteristics and treatment experiences of patients with plastic bronchitis (PB).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>All patients who were diagnosed with PB by bronchoscopic removal of tree-like casts at a single institution from January 2012 to May 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and clinical data were retrieved from electronic patient records.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 55 patients, with a median age of 5.3 years, were eligible for the study. Nineteen cases had underlying diseases, among which asthma was the most common. The median course of the disease before admission was 11 days. Clinical symptoms were characterized by cough and fever, while moist rales (78.2%) and dyspnea (61.8%) were the most common signs. The most common laboratory finding was elevated C-reactive protein (58.2%). Patchy opacity was the most frequent radiographic finding (81.2%), followed by consolidation (60.0%) and pleural effusion (43.6%). Respiratory pathogens were detected in 41 cases, and <i>M. pneumoniae</i> was the most common one (41.8%), followed by adenovirus (20.0%) and influenza B virus (10.9%). The casts were removed by alveolar lavage, combined with ambroxol immersion (63.6%) and forceps (30.9%). Patients received an average of 2.3 bronchoscopies, and the median time for the first procedure was 3 days after admission. Antibiotics were given to all patients, methylprednisolone to 33 (60.0%), and gamma globulin to 25 (45.5%). A total of 53 cases were improved with an overall mortality rate of 3.6%.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>PB in children is characterized by airway obstruction, mostly caused by respiratory infections, and timely removal of the cast by bronchoscopy is the most effective treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":51591,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pediatrics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11219203/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141494209","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microbial Pattern of Neonatal Sepsis in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of dr. Ramelan Navy Central Hospital.","authors":"Stefani Miranda, Aminuddin Harahap, Dominicus Husada, Fara Nayo Faramarisa","doi":"10.1155/2024/6264980","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/6264980","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The morbidity and mortality rates from neonatal sepsis remain high. However, there is limited information about the microbial pattern of neonatal sepsis in Indonesia. Microbial patterns can give an overview of the hygiene of an environment and act as a determinant for choosing definitive antibiotic treatment in neonatal sepsis patients. The organisms that cause neonatal sepsis differ from unit to unit and from time to time within the same unit.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study is aimed at discovering the microbial pattern of neonatal sepsis in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), dr. Ramelan Navy Central Hospital, in 2021-2022.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study that takes secondary data from the NICU and clinical microbiology department of dr. Ramelan Navy Central Hospital. Data that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria available between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022, were collected. Patients whose blood cultures were positive for bacterial growth and diagnosed with sepsis were selected as the study sample.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 174 samples, 93 (53.4%) were found positive for bacterial infection and diagnosed as neonatal sepsis. Gram-negative isolates (96.8%) were predominant. Sixty-point-two percent of <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae XDR</i>, 19.4% of <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae ESBL</i>, and 8.6% of <i>Burkholderia cepacia XDR</i> were identified. The gram-positive isolates found in this study were only 3 samples (3.2%). Two-point-one percent of <i>MRSA</i> and 1.1% of <i>Staphylococcus haemolyticus MDR</i> were identified.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The most common microorganisms causing neonatal sepsis in our NICU were gram-negative bacteria, particularly <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae XDR</i>. Following the recommended infection control procedures, practicing good hand hygiene, and having access to basic supplies and equipment are important to prevent and reduce the incidence of sepsis.</p>","PeriodicalId":51591,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pediatrics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11208786/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141472501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Determinants of Full Vaccination Coverage among Children Aged 12-23 Months in Bangladesh: A Comparison between High- and Low-Performing Divisions","authors":"Moriam Khanam, N. A. Jahan","doi":"10.1155/2024/7787593","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/7787593","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction. A better understanding of the significant factors behind childhood vaccination is important for designing strategies to increase vaccination coverage and reduce child mortality and morbidity. The study is aimed at identifying the determinants of full vaccination coverage among children aged 12-23 months in Bangladesh and at comparing the determinants between high- and low-performing areas. Methods. This study used the latest available Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18 data. A weighted sample of 1678 children was included in this study. The association between full vaccination coverage and explanatory variables was identified using chi-square test. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify associated factors of full vaccination coverage. Results. Findings showed that about 88% of the children had full vaccination coverage. The odds of full vaccination coverage was significantly higher among children of mothers with secondary education compared to children of mothers with no formal education (AOR=2.07, 95%CI=1.16 to 3.70). Mother’s working status was another significant factor behind full vaccination coverage (AOR=1.53, 95%CI=1.002 to 2.34). In addition, we identified that higher age of mother (AOR=2.76, 95%CI=1.28 to 5.96 for 20-34 years group and AOR=12.14, 95%CI=1.21 to 122.41 for 35 and above age group) and being in middle-income household (AOR=4.66, 95%CI=1.33 to 16.34) were significantly associated with full vaccination coverage in high-performing areas. On the other hand, children of mothers with secondary education level (AOR=2.31, 95%CI=1.86 to 4.49) and exposure to media (AOR=1.58, 95%CI=1.001 to 2.50) had higher odds of having full vaccination coverage in low-performing areas. Conclusions. This study identified the associated factors of full vaccination coverage among children. The findings indicate the importance of maternal education and mothers’ employment for children’s vaccination uptake. In low-performing areas, investment in education and awareness raising initiatives may play instrumental role in achieving full vaccination coverage.","PeriodicalId":51591,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pediatrics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140977148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anemia in Children with Congenital Heart Disease: A Finding from Low-Resource Setting Hospitals","authors":"Henok Kumsa, Rediet Woldesenbet, Feven Mulugeta, R. Murugan, T. Moges","doi":"10.1155/2024/8095150","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/8095150","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect. Anemia is the prevailing manifestation of micronutrient deficiency. It has been demonstrated that anemia in children increases morbidity and has a negative impact on psychomotor development. Despite its negative consequences, which have been documented for a long time in clinical practice, the issue does not gain sufficient attention in developing countries, specifically in children with CHD. Thus, this study is aimes to assess the prevalence of anemia and the factors associated in children with CHD. Methods. Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on CHD children at selected governmental hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from February to March 2021. During this period, 373 children with acyanotic and cyanotic heart disease between 0 months and 15 years of age were included in this study. All children were assessed using structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Recent hemoglobin results that are avaliable in the medical charts of children were used to diagnose anemia. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results. From randomly included 373 children with CHD, 298 (79.9%) had acyanotic congenital heart disease (ACHD) and 75 (20.1%) had cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD). Twenty-five (33.3%) CCHD and 192 (64.4%) ACHD cases of children were malnourished. The most common type of CCHD and ACHD defects were ventricular septal defects and tetralogy of fallout, respectively. Overall, the prevalence of anemia in ACHD and CCHD was 24.5% and 72%, respectively. In children with ACHD, the frequency of anemia was reported to be significantly higher in the malnourished group than in the well-nourished. Conclusions. A high prevalence of anemia is observed in children with CHD. This study highly suggests further evaluation to determine the frequency and complications of blood indices and other hematological impairments in ACHD, CCHD, and children with both problems. Moreover, the findings of this study on illness profiles in children with CHD prompt further research into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying immune system dysfunction.","PeriodicalId":51591,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pediatrics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140710463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and Factors Associated with Iron Deficiency Anaemia among Children Aged 6-23 Months in Southwestern Uganda","authors":"Dickson Kajoba, Walufu Ivan Egesa, Solomon Muyombya, Y. Ortiz, M. Nduwimana, Grace Ndeezi","doi":"10.1155/2024/6663774","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/6663774","url":null,"abstract":"Iron deficiency anaemia is still a global public health concern with the highest burden among children 6 to 23 months due to their rapid growth spurt exceeding breastmilk supply. Therefore, nutritional supply is a key source of iron to attain the required nutrients for better growth and development. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study done at Ishaka Adventist Hospital (IAH) and Kampala International University Teaching Hospital (KIUTH) from April to July 2022. Participants were consecutively enrolled in the study. Structured questionnaires, 24-hour dietary recall, and clinical assessment were used to obtain data. Data analysis was done using the statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) V22.0. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were done using logistic regression for associations with significance set at P value < 0.05. A total of 364 participants were enrolled, with the majority being males (198, 54.4%) and born at term (333, 91.5%). The modal age was 12-17 months [163(44.8%)] with a mean age of 14.1 months (SD 5.32). The overall prevalence of IDA was 151/364 (41.5%). The factors associated with IDA included male sex (aOR 1.61), current episode of diarrhoea (aOR 1.71), poor meal frequency (aOR 1.78), no vegetable consumption (aOR 2.47), and consuming fruits once (aOR 1.97) in 7 days preceding the study. The study finds a high prevalence of IDA among infants 6-23 months with at least four in 10 being affected. Screening for IDA should be recommended in male children with current diarrhoea, poor intake of fruits and vegetables, and poor meal frequency. The Mentzer index is an equally good alternative screening test for IDA.","PeriodicalId":51591,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pediatrics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140080356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic Information to Share with Parents when Newborn Screening Reveals the Presence of Sickle Cell Trait.","authors":"Narcisse Elenga","doi":"10.1155/2024/8910397","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/8910397","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The primary purpose of newborn screening for sickle cell disease is to diagnose the disease before the appearance of symptoms and to initiate early treatment. To answer the question \"What genetic information needs to be communicated to parents when newborn screening reveals the presence of a sickle cell trait,\" we conducted a survey using a self-administered online questionnaire. We received responses from 122 healthcare workers and members of sickle cell disease associations, in France and French overseas departments. Our results showed similar positions on this issue. The information conveyed is not consistent and is the result of grassroots initiatives. The negative consequences generated by this information could be reduced when this information is delivered by a multidisciplinary team, within the framework of a dedicated consultation. This information on sickle cell trait status should be given in at least three key periods: the neonatal period, early adolescence, and later adolescence, when reproductive implications become important. Neonatal screening programs should develop systems that allow referring physicians to easily access the results of neonatal screening electronically. Harmonization of practices should allow a better analysis of the consequences of this counselling on family projects.</p>","PeriodicalId":51591,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pediatrics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10904677/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140023192","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feasibility of Spectral Analysis as a Tool in Nursing Research to Quantify Patterns of Respiration in Premature Infants","authors":"Khlood Bubshait, Olivia Dizon, Charlene Krueger","doi":"10.1155/2024/6671906","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/6671906","url":null,"abstract":"Background. Respiratory difficulties are a common concern in preterm infants, and they can lead to long-term health problems. Few studies have investigated the use of spectral analysis as a biomarker to quantify respiration patterns in preterm infants. Objective. To evaluate the feasibility of using spectral analysis of heart rate variability as a biomarker for the quantification of respiratory patterns in very-low-birth-weight preterm infants compared to direct observation. Methods. In a comparative, small-scale feasibility study, 18 preterm infants born during their 27th to 28th gestational week (weighing <1500 grams) participated by convenience. Respiratory patterns (regular or irregular; shallow or deep) were directly observed on the 28th week during playback of speech recording. Heart rate variability was simultaneously measured using spectral analysis of heart periods, from which the mean values influenced by respiratory sinus arrhythmia (frequencies of 0.30–1.0 Hz) were compared to each observed respiratory pattern. The magnitudes of respiratory sinus arrhythmia and the area under the curve were determined. Results. The magnitude of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (frequencies of 0.30–1.0 Hz) in infants observed to be displaying irregular shallow respiration was greater than that in infants with regular deep respiration. Further, there was a shift from lower frequencies (frequency peak=0.30 Hz) to higher frequencies (peak=0.70 Hz). Conclusion. In contrast with direct observation, spectral analysis allowed for the quantification of respiratory patterns in a vulnerable population of preterm infants of interest to the nursing scientific and practice community. Future directions include applying this biomarker to evaluate both developmental and pathological trends in the respiratory patterns of preterm infants.","PeriodicalId":51591,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pediatrics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139592976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}