1140 Effects of Body Position on Oxygen Saturation, Temperature, Respiratory Rate, and Heart Rate of Healthy Term and Preterm Infants

Abstract

Background: Prone sleeping position increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Infant's arousability from sleep is affected by position and ambient temperature. The effect of side positioning has not been explored. Objective: To determine the effects of prone, supine and side position on oxygen saturation, temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate in healthy term and preterm infants 72-hour prior to hospital discharge. Design/Methods: A retrospective review of 117 healthy term and preterm infant with median birth weight of 2580 (630 4185) g, gestational age 36.5 (26 42.3) weeks and postconceptional age of 38 (34 42.3) weeks. Medical records data collected from January 2007 through December 2008. Data obtained during feeding time were excluded. None of the infant was receiving methylxanthine or antireflux medication. Results: In prone position, infants had higher oxygen saturation (p=0.02) compared to side and supine position. Side positioning was associated with significantly higher body temperature and lower respiratory rate (p < 0.0001 and 0.004 respectively). No significant difference in heart rate. Respiratory rate was lower in supine and side position (p= 0.005 & p= 0.004 respectively). Conclusions: Prone position is associated with higher oxygen saturation. Side positioning is associated with lower respiratory rate and higher temperature. Body position may influence infant's thermal instability.