Hypoxia inhibits breathing and causes the glottis to close in preterm rabbit kittens at birth
While preterm newborns commonly receive non-invasive respiratory support (CPAP) in the delivery room, this can be ineffective, particularly if the infant is apneic. We have demonstrated that hypoxia induces unstable breathing patterns in preterm newborn kittens, eventually causing apnea. When breathing is unstable, the glottis opens but only during inspiration. Between breaths and during apnea, the glottis remains closed, which prevents effective delivery of CPAP via face mask. This study highlights that adequate oxygenation is critically important for maintaining breathing activity and the use of oxygen in the delivery room can enhance the effectiveness of non-invasive respiratory support.
Authors
- Erin V. McGillick (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9849-5958)
- Katie Lee (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5389-603X)
- Kelly J. Crossley (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1580-1156)
- Marcus J. Kitchen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0029-6660)
- Megan J. Wallace (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5785-5120)
- I. M. Davies (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1505-6791)
- Emily Crameri
- Marta Thio
- Stuart B. Hooper
- Philip L. J. DeKoninck
- Arjan B. te Pas
Institutions
- Royal Women's Hospital (AU)
- The University of Melbourne (AU)
- Leiden University Medical Center (NL)
- Erasmus MC (NL)
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research (AU)
- Monash Health (AU)
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute (AU)
- Monash University (AU)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Pediatric Research
- Published
- 2026-01-29
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-025-04748-w
- Primary Topic
- Airway Management and Intubation Techniques
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00