Establishment and validation of apnea risk prediction models in preterm infants: a retrospective case control study

Xiaodan Xu1, Lin Li2, Daiquan Chen3

  • 1Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361000, China.

BMC Pediatrics
|October 11, 2024
PubMed

Insights

This study developed a risk prediction model for apnea in preterm infants. The model, using gestational age, birth length, Apgar score, and respiratory distress syndrome, accurately identifies high-risk infants for improved prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Clinical Prediction Modeling

Background:

  • Apnea is a common and serious condition in preterm infants, often leading to hypoxic damage.
  • Early identification of apnea risk is crucial for improving the prognosis of preterm infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To construct and validate a prediction model for assessing apnea risk in premature infants.
  • To identify high-risk groups of preterm infants for targeted interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 486 preterm infants (162 with apnea, 324 controls).
  • Utilized Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and logistic regression for variable selection and model building.
  • Nomogram visualization and validation using ROC curves, calibration curves, and decision curves.

Main Results:

  • Gestational age, birth length, Apgar score, and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome were identified as key predictors of apnea.
  • The model demonstrated good fit (C-index=0.831) and predictive efficacy, validated by ROC and calibration curves.
  • Decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical utility of the prediction model.

Conclusions:

  • A validated risk prediction model incorporating gestational age, birth length, Apgar score, and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome effectively predicts apnea in preterm infants.
  • The model exhibits good predictive efficacy and clinical utility, aiding in the identification of high-risk neonates.
Abstract