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Apnea of Prematurity

Definition
1. Respiratory pause in a premature infant born before 37 weeks
  1. Episode lasts at least 20 seconds OR
  2. Episode 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 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

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This page was written by Scott Moses, MD. This page was last revised on 3/3/2008 7:20:34 AM. This page was last published on 6/1/2008. Please send comments and questions to the editor. Contact information may be found on the page About the Family Practice Notebook. These pages are best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0.