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Atlas of Neonatal Pathology
Marta Ježová, Josef Feit
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+ Neonatal pathology
Apnea of prematurity
Introduction

Defined as a cessation of respiratory activity for more than 20 seconds with bradycardia and/or cyanosis.

Etiology
  • central apnea  —  lack of central respiratory stimulations
  • obstructive apnea  —  airway obstruction
  • mixed apnea

Usually ceases by 37 weeks of postmenstrual age, but may persist for several weeks beyond term in some ELBW infants.

Episodes of apnea may be induced by hypoxia, sepsis, hypoglycemia, temperature disturbances or neurologic lesions.