Work of Breathing in Term Infants

Comparing Oxygen Saturation Stability and Work of Breathing Between Normal Term Infants and Premature Infants Prior to Discharge

This is a prospective observational cohort study conducted in the mother-baby unit at ChristianaCare. The study is designed to assess work of breathing indices and oxygen saturation stability at discharge in full-term infants. Data obtained will be used to perform a comparative analysis on work of breathing data for premature infants obtained from our previous study. We hypothesize full term (≥37 weeks gestation) infants have decreased work of breathing indices (i.e., phase angle) compared to premature infants (born 26-37 weeks gestation) at discharge.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Infants born ≥37 weeks gestation
• Admitted to the Mother-Baby Unit
• Within 24 hours of expected discharge

Exclusion Criteria:

• Infants born between < 37week gestation admitted to the Mother-Baby Unit at CCHS
• Infants with skeletal, neuromuscular, or abdominal surgical disorders that affect the accuracy of work of breathing measurements will also be excluded.