Primary apnea of premature newborns

Apnea of Premature Newborns

Apnea of Prematurity (AOP) is a type of sleep-related breathing disorder that generally affects premature infants. It is a temporary stop in breathing that occurs in newborn babies, due to immature respiratory control centers in the brain, which can cause life threatening situations and long-term medical problems. An apneic episode occurs when a baby pauses breathing for more than 15 seconds without taking a breath. Even though the episodes may last a few seconds to a few minutes, they can be potentially dangerous for a baby since they can stop breathing completely or fail to take enough breaths to deliver enough oxygen to their bodies.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of Apnea of Prematurity vary widely among affected babies. In many cases, they pause their breathing and become pale or bluish due to lack of oxygen, then resume breathing again. Other common signs include:

• Gasping for breath
• Frequent episodes of apnea
• Short pauses between breaths
• Slowed heart rate
• Sudden pauses in breathing that last 15 seconds or more.

Causes

Apnea of Prematurity occurs when the part of the brain responsible for regulating breathing, the medulla, does not mature sufficiently. It is a problem that is mainly seen in babies born before 37 weeks’ gestational age. Factors that increase the risk of Apnea of Prematurity include:

• Delivered before 37 weeks' gestational age
• Having low birth weight
• Exposure to maternal nicotine or drugs
• Developmental disorders

Treatment

For most babies with mild Apnea of Prematurity, the episodes will resolve themselves as the baby grows and the part of the brain which controls breathing matures. Treatment for Apnea of Prematurity depends on the severity of the condition. Possible treatment options may involve:

• Rescue breathing and/or chest compressions
• Oxygen therapy
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
• Ventilation
• Medication

Complications

Apnea of Prematurity can cause a range of complications. Some common complications include:

• High levels of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream
• Brain injury due to oxygen deprivation
• Lung injury due to oxygen deprivation
• Delayed growth and development
• Cerebral palsy
• Breathing and feeding difficulties
• Hearing and vision problems

Premature infants are at a higher risk of developing Apnea of Prematurity, so it is important to be vigilant and monitor for signs and symptoms as soon as the baby is born.