J Perinatol. 1992 Jun;12(2):137-42.

Reducing the hypoxemia, bradycardia, and apnea associated with suctioning in low birthweight infants.

Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association

J C Evans

PMID: 1522432

Abstract

Hypoxemia and bradycardia are major complications associated with suctioning the neonate. Apnea has been reported following caregiving during peak hours of activity in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This study determined the incidence of hypoxemia, bradycardia, and apnea associated with the standard suction protocol used in one NICU. None of the 17 low birthweight infants suctioned between the peak caregiving activity hours of 8 and 11 AM exhibited bradycardia or apnea. Eleven of the 17 infants experienced no hypoxemia. Six infants displayed hypoxemia that lasted for less than 3 minutes. None of the infants exhibited bradycardia or apnea in association with this suction protocol. Patterns of escalating blood pressure noted in this study are worrisome because of the increased risk of intraventricular hemorrhage.

Similar articles

MeSH terms

• Analysis of Variance
• Apnea / prevention & control
• Blood Pressure
• Bradycardia / prevention & control
• Female
• Humans
• Hypoxia / prevention & control
• Infant, Low Birth Weight
• Infant, Newborn
• Infant, Premature, Diseases / prevention & control
• Male
• Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / therapy
• Suction / adverse effects
• Suction / methods

Publication Types

• Journal Article
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

LinkOut - more resources

• Medical
  • MedlinePlus Health Information