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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

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Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation
Published on: January 17, 2011
[Infantile apnea. The etiopathogenic aspects. I]
Summary
This review explores the causes of apnea, including central, obstructive, and mixed types. It examines various contributing factors like gastroesophageal reflux and lifestyle choices.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Physiology
- Pathophysiology
Context:
- Apnea represents a significant health concern with complex underlying mechanisms.
- Understanding breathing control is crucial for diagnosing and managing respiratory disorders.
Purpose:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the etiopathogenesis of apnea based on existing literature.
- To elucidate the physiological and physiopathological basis of breathing control relevant to apnea.
Summary:
- The paper details the physiological framework of breathing control and discusses various types of apnea: central, obstructive, and mixed.
- It explores apnea and periodic breathing in the context of specific diseases, procedures, and idiopathic cases.
- Key contributing factors examined include gastroesophageal reflux, endorphins, catecholamines, hypoxic thresholds, tobacco, and coffee consumption.
Impact:
- This review offers a foundational understanding of apnea's origins for researchers and clinicians.
- It highlights the multifactorial nature of apnea, encouraging a holistic approach to its study and treatment.
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