Patterns of the pediatric pneumogram.

The pediatric pneumogram (PPG) is a technique that permits continuous, magnetic-tape recording of the respiratory pattern of infants over an extended period of time. The technique, introduced in 1975, uses an impedance method. As a diagnostic tool, PPG can objectively quantify rate of respiration, the respiratory rhythm, the relative amplitude of respiratory activity, and the incidence of apnea, as well as any resultant bradycardia. Investigations are presently under way using PPG to study the relationship between apnea and sudden infant death syndrome.