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Characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus-related apnoea in three infants

M Rayyan1, G Naulaers, H Daniels

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. maissa.rayyan@uzleuven.be

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|July 13, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Prolonged central apnoea in infants can be the initial indicator of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. This sign may appear before other symptoms or caregiver recognition of apnoea.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory infections in infants.
  • Apnoea is a recognized, though not universal, symptom of RSV infection.

Observation:

  • This study details polysomnographic findings in three infants with prolonged central apnoea.
  • These apnoeas occurred prior to the diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus infection.
  • Caregivers did not report any apparent life-threatening events before the polysomnography.

Findings:

  • Polysomnography revealed central, prolonged apnoea in infants presenting with acquired RSV infection.
  • Apnoea was the primary presenting sign, preceding other respiratory symptoms.
  • No further apnoeas were detected upon cardiorespiratory monitoring post-infection.

Implications:

  • Central apnoea can be the sole presenting sign of RSV in young infants.
  • Early identification of RSV may be possible through monitoring for prolonged central apnoea.
  • This finding aids in understanding the diverse clinical presentations of RSV in neonates.
Abstract

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