FEATURES OF HYPOTREMIA IN PREMATURE INFANTS WITH FREQUENT EPISODES OF APNEA

Apnea of prematurity is defined as respiratory pauses > 20 seconds or pauses < 20 seconds associated with bradycardia (< 100 bpm 1), central cyanosis, or oxygen saturation < 85% in neonates born at < 37 weeks of gestation and without other disorders causing apnea. The cause may be immaturity of the central nervous system (central apnea); if the apneic episode is prolonged, airway obstruction may also occur. Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and cardiorespiratory monitoring. Treatment is with stimulants for central apnea and appropriate head positioning for obstructive apnea. Prognosis is good, with apnea resolving in most preterm infants by 37 weeks postmenstrual age and in almost all preterm infants by 44 weeks postmenstrual age.