APNEA OF PREMATURITY

What is no effort to breath during apneic spell?

Central Apnea

What are the diagnostic test for apnea of prematurity?

- Chest Radiography -ABG -ECG -Holter Monitor -CBC & electrolyte monitoring

What are the treatments for Apnea of prematurity?

- Continuous noninvasive monitoring of the HR & RR -Tactile Stimulation -Methylxanthines -Manual Ventilation may be required -CPAP

What are the causes of Apnea Prematurity?

- Immature control of the respiratory drive in response to oxygen & carbon dioxide -Infection -Metabolic Disorders -Maternal Drugs -Intracranial Lesions -Gastroesophageal Reflux

When are apneic spells abnormal?

- Last longer than 15 seconds - Central Apnea -Obstructive Apnea -Mixed Apnea - Assoc. with: Cyanosis Pallor Hypotonia Bradycardia

What are the clinical findings with apnea of prematurity?

-Bradycardia -Snoring -Choking -Mouth Breathing -May see changes in muscle tone, skin color, and respiratory patterns

What is a common controllable disorder & is a significant cause of morbidity among premature infants?

Apnea of Prematurity

What is used to stimulate the CNS & increase the infant's responsiveness to carbon dioxide?

Methylxanthines: - Theophylline -Caffeine -Doxapram used for infants with apnea that is refractory to theophylline

What is a combination of both central and obstructive apnea types that start as obstructive then develops to central apnea?

Mixed Apnea

What is a breathing effort that is present but obstruction prevents airflow?

Obstructive Apnea

What do premature infants frequently have?

Periodic respirations which consists of short apneic episodes of5- 10 seconds followed by 10 -15 seconds of rapid respirations

What can most apneic episodes be terminated by?

Tactile stimulation - Picking them up - Flicking their soles - Rubbing their skin - 02 via bag mask may be needed if apnea persist