Neonatal suck reflex pattern does not predict apnea

Respiration and suck are gestational age-dependent reflexes modulated in th e brain stem. To determine if the suck reflex pattern could be used to pred ict apnea, the relationship between the two was examined in 28 neonates. Th e suck reflex was quantified with respect to burst-pause rhythm, amplitude of negative suck pressure, and synchrony of the negative-positive pressure. Apneas were counted 5 days prior to and following measurement of the suck reflex pattern. Increasing,gestational age correlated with a lower frequenc y of apnea (P<.01) and higher suck scores (P<.01). A mature suck reflex pat tern, however, failed to predict the occurrence of apnea.