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Upper GI examinations in older premature infants with persistent apnea: correlation with simultaneous
Y Itani1, M Fujioka, G Nishimura
1Division of Neonatology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Japan.
Insights
Swallowing incoordination is a key cause of persistent apnea in older premature infants, particularly during feeding. This study found no direct link between apnea and gastroesophageal reflux in these infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Neonatology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Persistent apnea is a significant concern in premature infants.
- Understanding the underlying causes of apnea is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between upper gastrointestinal function and persistent apnea in older premature infants.
- To identify potential causative factors for apnea in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- Upper gastrointestinal examinations were conducted.
- Simultaneous cardiorespiratory monitoring was employed.
- 39 older premature infants with persistent apnea were included.
Main Results:
- Swallowing incoordination was identified as a causative factor in persistent apnea.
- The relationship was particularly evident during feeding.
- No direct association was found between apnea and gastroesophageal reflux.
Conclusions:
- Swallowing incoordination plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of persistent apnea in older premature infants.
- Targeting feeding strategies to address swallowing difficulties may be beneficial.
- Gastroesophageal reflux is unlikely to be the primary driver of apnea in this cohort.
Abstract:
Upper gastrointestinal examinations with simultaneous cardiorespiratory monitoring were performed in 39 older premature infants with persistent apnea. Swallowing incoordination was documented to be causatively related to persistent apnea in such infants, especially with feeding. Direct relationship between apnea and gastroesophageal reflux was not documented in this study.