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.