Apnoea Flashcards
1
Q
What is a the definition of apnea?
A
-cessation of breathing for more than 20 seconds that causes hypoxia, cyanosis or pallor
2
Q
Why is apnea a lot more common in preterm babies?
A
-They have decreased respiratory drive or are unable to maintain upper airway patency (have obstructive disease)
3
Q
What are the causes of apnea?
A
- immaturity
- hypoglycaemia
- respiratory distress or hypoxia
- Pyrexia
- convulsion
- infection(meningitis or septicaemia)
4
Q
What can we do to treat these patients?
A
- try to stimulate the baby
- gently clear the airway and start mask ventilation
- nasal CPAP can prevent further apnea
- in severe and recurrent apnea we can start intubation and ventilation
5
Q
What is apnea of prematurity?
A
-it is cessation of breathing that lasts more 20 seconds that leads to hypoxia (bradycardia) in infants less than 37 weeks gestation
6
Q
What is the management of apnea in premature infants?
A
- Administration of prophylactic caffeine or theophylline until the baby is mature enough(33 weeks)
- Monitor temperature control closely
- Nasal CPAP will most likely control the apnea
7
Q
What is the danger of giving oxygen to a infant via nasal CPAP?
A
- retinopathy of immaturity
- damage of the lungs
