DIAPHRAGMATIC FLUTTER IN 3 BABIES WITH BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA ANDRESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS BRONCHIOLITIS

Abnormalities of respiratory control, especially apnea, have been repo rted previously in infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infe ctions. This is the first report of yet another abnormality of respira tory control, diaphragmatic flutter (DF), in infants with RSV infectio n. The presentation of these infants did not differ from the usual cli nical presentation of RSV infection. While being monitored with respir atory inductive plethysmography for occurrences of apnea known to he c ommon in RSV infection, DF was detected. This abnormality consisted of high frequency, diaphragmatic contractions which were intermittent in nature. They lasted no more than 4 days and were not associated with change in arterial oxygen saturation or heart rate. These infants were discharged free of DF and no further episodes have been observed over a 12-month period. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.