Methods for Detecting Abnormal Ventilation in Children - the Case Study of 13-Years old Pitt-Hopkins Girl

Abstract

We present contactless technology measuring abnormal ventilation and compare it with polysomnography (PSG). A 13-years old girl with Pitt-Hopkins syndrome presented hyperpnoea periods with apneic spells. The PSG was conducted simultaneously with Emfit movement sensor (Emfit, Finland) and video camera with depth sensor (NEL, Finland). The respiratory efforts from PSG, Emfit sensor, and NEL were compared. In addition, we measured daytime breathing with tracheal microphone (PneaVox,France). The aim was to deepen the knowledge of daytime hyperpnoea periods and ensure that no upper airway obstruction was present during sleep. The signs of upper airway obstruction were not detected despite of minor sleep time. Monitoring respiratory effort with PSG is demanding in all patient groups. The used unobtrusive methods were capable to reveal breathing frequency and hyperpnoea periods. Every day diagnostics need technology like this for monitoring vital signs at hospital wards and at home from subjects with disabilities and co-operation difficulties.