Rapid Eye Movement Sleep, Apnea, and Cardiac Slowing Influenced by Phenobarbital Administration in the Neonate

[摘要] Polygraphic recordings were performed in seven preterm infants who had been given phenobarbital (phenobarbitone) to evaluate its effect on neonatal sleep behavior and on the incidence of neurogenic apnea and/or bradycardia. The amount of active sleep, as well as the incidence of apnea and/or cardiac slowing occurring predominantly in active sleep, were decreased at therapeutic serum levels of phenobarbital. With declining serum drug levels, active sleep showed a rebound effect; at the same time, apnea and/or cardiac slowing relapsed. Thus, our previously proposed neurophysiologic concept that neonatal apnea is facilitated by active sleep-inhibitory brain mechanisms seems to be confirmed.

[学科分类] 儿科学