PEDS/NEONATES: Apnea of Prematurity

cessation/termination of breathing for more than 20 secs OR less than 20 seconds when associated with bradycardia (<80-100)

Apnea of Prematurity

true apnea greater than _______ seconds must be treated, have a sleep apnea test, and home apnea monitor

20 seconds

simultaneous cessation of breathing and airflow (most often in newborns)

central apnea

breathing movements but no airflow (most often > 1 month of age)

obstructive apnea

is apnea of prematurity a true disease?

NO; it is a symptom of an underlying cause

what is the 1st suspect underlying cause of apnea of prematurity?

Sepsis

name 3 other causes of AOP

-CNS dysfunction

-GERD

Vagal stimulation

name 3 clinical manifestations of AOP other than cessation of breathing/airflow

-Cyanosis

-decreased muscle tone

-decreased heart rate

name 3 ways to prevent AOP episodes

-suction gently PRN

-Minimize vagal stimulation

-Maintain normal PaO2

what class of drugs are used to treat central sleep apnea of prematurity

Xanthines

name 2 xanthines

-theophylline

-caffeine citrate

why should xanthines not be given initially at birth?

apnea may be due to asphyxia and xanthines may decrease cerebral blood flow

name 3 drug classes that treat obstructive sleep apnea [large tongue]

-decongestants

-antihistamines

-corticosteroids

name 4 side effects of xanthines

-tachycardia

-jitters

-diuresis

-seizures