When their breathing matches their heartbeat, babies suffering from apnea brought on by prematurity can be released from the neonatal intensive care unit, according to a study published last Monday.
Apnea of prematurity is a condition in which premature babies' nervous systems are not developed enough for them to unconsciously regulate their breathing patterns.
Researchers from the University Medical School and the College of William & Mary found a high correlation between breathing and heartbeat indicates breathing patterns have become more normal and the baby has developed a more robust nervous system.
The University and William & Mary study, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, explored a new way to measure infants' breathing patterns and heartbeats during an extended period of time. Researchers used software programs and algorithms to review patterns every four minutes.
Premature babies suffering from apnea may remain in the hospital for months to allow doctors to monitor their breathing, but the researchers' findings could be used to accurately suggest the earliest time infants are able to go home.
-compiled by Michelle Lim
Read More
U.Va. students and physicians team up for another year of free kidney screenings
By Merrill Hart | November 5, 2024Saturday’s screening marked the first by KDSAP at Portico Church, near IX Art Park.
U.Va. Health sees a spike in COVID-19 cases
By Emily Horn | September 4, 2023U.Va. Health ended their vaccination requirements in August, and masks were made optional in most hospital areas in early April.
U.Va. Cancer Center harnesses $12 million grant to support opportunities for undergraduates, ongoing research and new center
By Ellen Wu | January 12, 2023The grant provides an opportunity to establish the Center for Systems Analysis of Stress-Adapted Cancer Organelles, which seeks to find the cause of cancer in individual organelles.
