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Prolonged apnea in the preterm infant is not a random event
S A al-Saedi1, R P Lemke, Z A Haider
1University of Manitoba, Dept. of Pediatrics, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
American Journal of Perinatology
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Prolonged apneas in preterm infants are not random. Preceding respiratory pauses and changes in breathing patterns, like decreased minute ventilation and oxygen saturation, predict these events.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Respiratory control
Background:
- Prolonged apneas are a significant concern in preterm infants.
- The predictive nature of preceding respiratory events is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that prolonged apneas in preterm infants are preceded by specific respiratory patterns.
Main Methods:
- Studied 36 preterm infants with apnea.
- Utilized a nosepiece system to measure ventilation and alveolar gases.
- Analyzed 10-minute windows for apneic episodes and ventilatory variables, followed by a 1-minute interval for prolonged apnea detection.
Main Results:
- The risk of prolonged apnea significantly increased with preceding apneic periods.
- Total apneic time in the prior 10 minutes was the strongest predictor.
- Before prolonged apnea, minute ventilation and respiratory frequency decreased, and oxygen saturation dropped.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged apnea in preterm infants is not random.
- It is preceded by disturbances in respiratory control, including frequent apneas, decreased ventilation, and reduced oxygen saturation.