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Apnea of Prematurity

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Apnea of Prematurity

  • See Also
  1. Preterm Infant
  • Epidemiology
  1. Incidence increases inversely with Gestational Age <37 weeks
    1. Present in nearly all infants <28 weeks gestation (or birth weight <1000 g)
  • Definitions
  1. Apnea of Prematurity
    1. Respiratory pause in a Premature Infant born before 37 weeks
    2. Episode >= 20 seconds OR
    3. Episode >= 10 seconds AND accompanied by Bradycardia, Hypoxia, change in tone or atypical movements
  • Management
  • Typically directed by Neonatology
  1. Methylxanthines
    1. Continue until event-free and at least 37 to 40 weeks adjusted age
  2. Apnea monitor
    1. Continue until event-free and at least 43 weeks adjusted age
  • Course
  1. Episodes cease in most Premature Infants by 42-44 weeks adjusted age
  • References
  1. (2003) Pediatrics 111:914-7 [PubMed]
  2. Bybel (2025) Am Fam Physician 112(2): 153-61 [PubMed]