APNEA IN PRETERM NEONATES: A REVIEW

Abstract

Apnea of prematurity (AOP) is one of the commonest clinical conditions encountered in preterm infants.  With decreasing limit of neonatal viability the subject has become of increasing importance to neonatologists. AOP is a developmental maladaptation to extra uterine life secondary to immature neurological control of breathing. It occurs in 100% cases of extremely low gestational age neonates and in over 50% of all preterm infants. AOP may be associated with adverse outcomes, such as, neurodevelopmental deficits, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity, although its independent contribution to these morbidities is not fully defined due to the confounding effects of concurrent neonatal pathologies. In this review we have presented the current information on the various aspects of AOP, including its definition, classification, etipathogenesis, clinical-pathophysiological characteristics, management, discharge criteria and potential relationship with post discharge adverse events