Apnoea of Prematurity

Question 1

What is Apnoea of Prematurity?

Answer 1

• Apnoea is defined as periods where breathing stops spontaneously for more than 20 seconds
• Or periods with oxygen desaturation
• Or bradycardia

Question 2

What are the causes of Apnoea?

Answer 2

• Apnoea occurs due to immaturity of the autonomic nervous system that controls respiration and heart rate
• Apnoea shows signs of developing illness such as: infection, Anaemia, Airway obstruction, CNS pathology (seizures/ haemorrhage), GORD and Neonatal abstinence syndrome

Question 3

What is the management for Apnoea of Prematurity?

Answer 3

• Neonatal units attach apnoea monitors to premature babies.
• These make a sound when an apnoea is occurring
• Tactile stimulation is used to prompt the baby to restart breathing
• IV caffeine is used to prevent apnoea and bradycardia in babies with recurrent episodes
• Episodes settle as the baby grows and develops