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What is the medical condition apnea of prematurity in babies born too soon?
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Apnea of prematurity occurs when the infant stops breathing for periods lasting up to 20 seconds. It is often associated with a slowing of the heart rate, skin color may change to a hue of blue.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
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What are some of the common medical conditions that occur in premature infants?
The medical conditions that may occur are respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enerocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, apnea of prematurity, patent ductus arteriosus, retinopathy of prematurity.
When does apnea of prematurity most commonly occur?
Apnea occurs most commonly when the infant is asleep.
Is sleep apnea a serious condition?
Yes, sleep apnea is a serious condition. What makes it serious? The fact that is may worsen various medical conditions, increase your chance of accidents while driving or working, or other problems.
What is the medical definition for apnea?
Apnea is a medical condition characterized by a temporary cessation of breathing during sleep for at least 10 seconds. It is often associated with snoring, gasping, and daytime sleepiness. There are different types of apnea, including obstructive sleep apnea where the airway is blocked, and central sleep apnea where the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe.
How is apnea of prematurity in premature infants treated?
Infants with serious apnea may need medications to stimulate breathing or oxygen through a tube inserted in the nose. Some infants may be placed on a ventilator.
Can babies get sleep apnea?
Yes. Sleep apnea can occur at any age
What are 4 causes of bradycardia in the neonate?
collagen vascular disease in mother sinus bradycardia structural heart disease apnoea of prematurity
Over 50 percent of individuals with sleep apnea suffer from what condition?
over 50 percent of people with sleep apnea suffer from what condition?
What is the medical term meaning difficulty oxygen at night?
Sleep apnea is a condition, occurring during sleep, when breathign stops for an exgtended period of time (10 seconds defines sleep apnea). The cessation can result in hypoxia. Is this what you were asking?
Apnea of prematurity?
Alternative NamesApnea - newborns; AOP; As and Bs; Blue spell - newborns; Dusky spell - newborns; Spell - newbornsDefinitionApnea is breathing that slows down or stops from any cause. Apnea of prematurity refers to short episodes of stopped breathing in babies who were born before they were due.Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThere are several reasons why newborns, especially premature babies, may have apnea, including:Their brain is not fully developedThe muscles that keep the airway open are weakOther stresses in a sick or premature baby may worsen apnea, including:AnemiaFeeding problemsHeart or lung problemsInfectionLow oxygen levelsOverstimulationTemperature problemsSymptomsNewborns, especially preemies, often have an irregular breathing pattern.These babies will have short episodes (5 - 10 seconds) of either shallow breathing or stopped breathing (apnea). These episodes are followed by periods of normal breathing.When there is very shallow or no breathing (apnea), the baby may also have a drop in heart rate. This heart rate drop is called bradycardia.Some babies may also have poor color and an ill-looking appearance. Apnea episodes that last longer than 20 seconds are considered serious.Signs and testsBecause most preterm and some sick full-term babies have some degree of apnea, these babies are hooked up to monitors in the hospital to watch their breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels. Apnea or a drop in heart rate can set off the alarms on these monitors.TreatmentHow apnea is treated depends on the cause, how often the breathing stops, and the severity of spells. Babies who appear to be otherwise healthy and have few spells per day are simply watched. They can be gently stimulated during their occasional episodes.Babies who are well, but who have many episodes in which they stop breathing may be given a caffeine preparation to help stimulate their breathing. Sometimes the nurse will suction children with apnea, change their position, or use a bag and mask to help them breathe.Proper positioning, slower feeding time, oxygen, and (in extreme cases) a breathing machine may be needed to assist in breathing.Studies have not been able to show a benefit to putting babies on home monitors, so these monitors are no longer commonly used.Expectations (prognosis)Apnea is common in premature babies. Most babies have normal outcomes. Although mild apnea is not thought to have long-term effects, most doctors feel that preventing multiple or severe episodes is better for the baby over the long-term.Apnea episodes that began after the second week of life or that last longer than 20 seconds are considered more serious.Apnea of prematurity usually goes away by the baby's 36th week.ReferencesOwens JA. Sleep medicine. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 18.
Can sleep apnea be caused by depression?
No. Sleep apnea is a physical condition. If you have it, it doesn't matter whether you are depressed or not.
What conditions render newborns susceptible to necrotizing enterocolitis?
respiratory distress syndrome, congenital heart problems, and episodes of apnea (cessation of breathing). The primary risk factor, however, is prematurity.
