Reducing the hypoxemia, bradycardia, and apnea associated with suctioning in low birthweight infants.

Hypoxemia and bradycardia are major complications associated with suctioning the neonate. Apnea has been reported following caregiving during peak hours of activity in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This study determined the incidence of hypoxemia, bradycardia, and apnea associated with the standard suction protocol used in one NICU. None of the 17 low birthweight infants suctioned between the peak caregiving activity hours of 8 and 11 AM exhibited bradycardia or apnea. Eleven of the 17 infants experienced no hypoxemia. Six infants displayed hypoxemia that lasted for less than 3 minutes. None of the infants exhibited bradycardia or apnea in association with this suction protocol. Patterns of escalating blood pressure noted in this study are worrisome because of the increased risk of intraventricular hemorrhage.