| Title | Dummy/pacifier use in preterm infants increases blood pressure and improves heart rate control. | ||
| Author | Horne, Rosemary S C; Fyfe, Karinna L; Odoi, Alexsandria; Athukoralage, Anjalee; Yiallourou, Stephanie R; Wong, Flora Y | ||
| Journal | Pediatr Res | Publication Year/Month | 2016-Feb |
| PMID | 26488553 | PMCID | -N/A- |
| Affiliation + expend | 1.The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. | ||
BACKGROUND: Preterm infants are at increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Use of a dummy/pacifier is thought to be protective against SIDS; accordingly, we assessed the effects of dummy/pacifier use on blood pressure, cerebral oxygenation, and heart rate control over the first 6 mo of life after term corrected age (CA) when SIDS risk is greatest. METHODS: Thirty-five preterm infants were studied longitudinally at 2-4 wk, 2-3 mo, and 5-6 mo CA. Cardiac control was assessed from spectral indices of heart rate variability (HRV) in the low frequency (LF) and the high frequency (HF) range, and the ratio of HF/LF indicating sympathovagal balance was calculated. RESULTS: Overall, at 2-3 mo, mean arterial pressure was significantly higher in the supine position in dummy/pacifier users in both quiet sleep (70 +/- 2 vs. 60 +/- 2 mm Hg; P < 0.05) and active sleep (74 +/- 3 vs. 69 +/- 2 mm Hg; P < 0.05). Dummy/pacifier users had higher LF HRV and LF/HF ratio and lower HF HRV. CONCLUSION: Dummy/pacifier use increased blood pressure during sleep, at the age of greatest SIDS risk. Overall, LF HRV was elevated and HF HRV reduced in dummy/pacifier users, suggesting that dummy use alters cardiac control in preterm infants.