Using ECG surface electrodes in measurement of respiration rate for preterm infants

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the common cause of death in infants. Apnea is known to be associated with increased incidence of the SIDS. A cessation of breathing, longer than 15 seconds, or accompanied by hypoxia or bradycardia, is called apnea of prematurity and has been found in more than 50% of premature infants. We have designed and constructed an apnea detector for infant monitoring in a clinical environment. The device uses a breath processor module with a surface ECG for detecting apnea. When the infant´s breathing counts and heart rates are abnormal, an alarm will sound. This device has shown good performance and feasibility.