Cheyne-Stokes Respiration

Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) is characterized by fluctuations of hemodynamic, respiratory, neurologic, and acid-base determinations. Historical and current theories of causation strongly implicate an alteration of central respiratory control as the most important factor in the genesis of periodic respiration. Tissue perfusion and metabolically determined changes in acidbase balance have dominant roles in the production of CSR. Cheyne-Stokestion (CSR) is a rhythmic form of periodic breathing in which sequential ventilatory cycles are separated by periods of apnea. Our modern concepts of respiratory control are derived in part from the clinical and physiologic studies of Cheyne-Stokes respiration. Numerous clinical conditions which have been associated with this type of breathing include heart disease, neurological disorders, prematurity, prolonged hyperventilation, altitude acclimatization, normal sleep, sedation, acid-base disturbances, uremia, infections, and the obesity-cardiorespiratory syndrome. The purpose of this report is to review clinical and physiological information about Cheyne-Stokes respiration and present additional observations of neurologic and