Diaphragmatic flutter in three babies with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis.

Abnormalities of respiratory control, especially apnea, have been reported previously in infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. This is the first report of yet another abnormality of respiratory control, diaphragmatic flutter (DF), in infants with RSV infection. The presentation of these infants did not differ from the usual clinical presentation of RSV infection. While being monitored with respiratory inductive plethysmography for occurrences of apnea known to be common in RSV infection, DF was detected. This abnormality consisted of high frequency, diaphragmatic contractions which were intermittent in nature. They lasted no more than 4 days and were not associated with change in arterial oxygen saturation or heart rate. These infants were discharged free of DF and no further episodes have been observed over a 12-month period.