Apnea of Prematurity

Clinical Presentation 1. Cessation of breathing for at least 20 seconds or the episode of apnea may be shorter if associated with bradycardia (heart rate less than 100 beats/minute), cyanosis, or pallor 2. Diagnosis of exclusion – Other causes of apnea must be ruled out. 3. Risk factors a. Prematurity i. The incidence of apnea is inversely related to gestational age. ii. The incidence of apnea is significantly lower if the gestational age is older than 34 weeks. b. Extremely low birth weight (less than 1000 g)