pediatrics
Apnea of Prematurity
Diagnosis of Apnea of Prematurity
Clinical evaluation Cardiorespiratory monitoring Other causes (eg, hypoglycemia, sepsis, intracranial hemorrhage) ruled out Although frequently attributable to immature respiratory control mechanisms, apnea in preterm infants can be a sign of infectious, metabolic, thermoregulatory, respiratory, cardiac, or CNS dysfunction. Thorough history, physical assessment, and, when necessary, testing should be done before accepting prematurity as the cause of apnea. Gastroesophageal reflux disease ( Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants ) is no longer thought to cause apnea in preterm infants, so the presence of GERD should not be considered an explanation for apneic episodes nor should treatment for GERD be started because of apnea of prematurity. Diagnosis of apnea usually is made by visual observation or by use of impedance-type cardiorespiratory monitors used continuously during assessment and ongoing care of preterm infants. 