OBSTRUCTIVE APNEA AND PERIODIC BREATHING IN PREMATURE-INFANTS

Background: Disturbances of cardiorespiratory function are common clin ical problems in preterm infants. Polygraphic recordings during sleep were performed in order to determine frequency and severity of idiopat hic apnea of prematurity. Method: In 137 preterm infants at the correc ted age of <+/-0 weeks, 0-1 2 weeks, 13-24 weeks and greater-than-or-e qual-to 25 weeks respectively central and obstructive apnea and period ic breathing were recorded by polysomnography including nasa.1 airflow and thoracic and abdominal breathing movements and compared with 50 n ormal full-term infants. Results: Apnea frequency was inversely correl ated to gestational age in premature and term infants. Whereas no diff erences were found concerning central apnea and periodic breathing, ob structive apnea occurred more frequently in premature than in term inf ants during the first weeks of life. Conclusions: Conclusively, in ear ly infancy premature infants have an inclination to upper airway obstr uction.