INTERMITTENT BREATHING BEFORE DEATH IN FETAL LAMBS

The presence of fetal breathing, even if episodic in character, may not indicate fetal well being. In a study of fetal lambs with long term implantation of catheters and electrodes, 5 of 6 lambs which died before the onset of labor had terminal episodes of continuous breathing, preceded by 4 1/4 to 45 1/2 hr of abnormal intermittent breathing. Intermittent bursts of slow gasping or rapid breathing at exceptionally regular rates and depths were observed. The rapid pattern was associated with epileptiform seizures in 2 of 3 lambs. In all lambs, the abnormal intermittent breathing was preceded by prolonged apnea.