Apnea (Stopping breathing) of Prematurity

DEFINITION

Apnea (Stopping breathing) of Prematurity is a condition in which premature infants stop breathing for a while and usually lasts for 15-20 seconds or more.

CAUSE

Stopping breathing (apnea) can occur in babies born before 34 weeks of pregnancy. The occurrence of apnea is more frequent and more severe in infants born prematurely. Possible causes are:

·         The incomplete part of the brain that controls breathing

·         Blockage of the upper respiratory tract, for example due to a weak muscle tone or neck bent forward

Over time, the respiratory center will be more perfect, episodes of stopping breathing (apnea) will become more rare, and when the newborn baby has reached the age of just months, episodes of stopping breathing no longer the case.

SYMPTOMS

Period stopping breathing (apnea) often begin within a few days after birth. Babies can experience episodes of regular breathing punctuated by episodes of stopping breathing. Symptoms that appear depend on how long the stoppage of breath occurs. Apnea will reduce oxygen levels in the blood, and if it lasts a long time, then the baby will turn blue. Low oxygen levels in the blood could then make the heart rate becomes slow.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is based on symptoms and physical examination there.

Apnea can sometimes be a sign of a disturbance, such as infection, low blood sugar levels or low body temperature. To that end, it is necessary examination to rule out the existing problems, if sudden episodes of stopping breathing unexpected.

Blood samples, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid could be taken to see if there is a serious infection. Examination of blood samples were also performed to determine if the blood sugar is too low (hypoglycemia) or not.

TREATMENT

If you find any episodes of stopped breathing in newborns were premature, the baby should be monitored with a tool that will tell if the baby stops breathing during a certain time or if the baby's heart rate slows down. When the baby has stopped breathing (apnea), the baby needs to be touched or given stimulus to breathe, for example by rubbing his back, arms, or legs baby. Most babies with apnea will start to breathe again by itself after being given this stimulus.

Apneu further treatment depends on the cause. Apnea caused by obstruction of the upper airway may be reduced by positioning the baby lying on your back or side with the head straight.

If episodes of stopping breathing heavy and often repetitive, the newborn may require a tool to breathe, such as CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure), which makes the baby can breathe on its own while getting oxygen pressure in the nose, or ventilator.

However, all newborns that will prematurely stop experiencing breathing stopped, a few weeks before reaching the age of just months.

REFERENCE

- G, Jay S. Apnea of ​​Prematurity. Kids Health. 2011.

- K, Arthur E. Apnea of ​​Prematurity. Merck Manual Home Health Handbook. 2009.

- K, Neil K. Apnea of ​​Prematurity. Medline Plus. 2011.