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Apnea of prematurity
1Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
Insights
Apnea of prematurity is a common respiratory disorder in premature infants that typically resolves with time. This review covers its definition, causes, diagnosis, and treatment, differentiating it from sudden infant death syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Apnea is a frequent and treatable condition in premature infants.
- It typically resolves spontaneously as the infant matures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define and classify apnea in premature infants.
- To review the epidemiology, natural history, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapy of apnea of prematurity.
- To explore the link between apnea of prematurity and sudden infant death syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on apnea of prematurity.
- Detailed consideration of respiratory control mechanisms.
- Analysis of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Apnea of prematurity is characterized by pauses in breathing.
- Pathophysiology involves chemosensory and reflex respiratory modulation and upper airway control.
- Effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are available.
Conclusions:
- Apnea of prematurity is a distinct clinical entity with specific pathophysiology.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate therapy are crucial for management.
- Understanding apnea of prematurity is important for differentiating it from sudden infant death syndrome.
Abstract:
Apnea is a common, treatable disorder of respiration in premature infants, which usually resolves over time. The definition and classification of apnea are discussed, as well as its epidemiology and natural history. The pathophysiology of apnea is considered in detail, including the chemosensory and reflex input that modulates respiration and the involvement of upper airway control in the etiology of obstructive apnea. Finally, diagnosis and therapy are reviewed, and the relationship of apnea of prematurity to the underlying disorder in sudden infant death syndrome is considered.