With the incidence of 4-7%, nearly all infants born before 29 weeks’ gestation or weighing <1,000 g exhibit apnea of Prematurity (AOP). Hypoxia associated with apnea is detrimental for developing organs resulting in long-term/permanent impairment. Timely intervention of AOP is a challenge in NICU. This article discusses protocol for emergency management of neonatal apnea.
Apnea is defined as cessation of breathing for 20 seconds or longer or a shorter pause accompanied by bradycardia (<100 beats per minute), cyanosis, or pallor. Apnea in preterm infants is usually related to immaturity of the CNS and is called apnea of prematurity (AOP). All babies less than 34 weeks gestation should be monitored for at least in the first week of life or till absence of apneic episodes for at least 7 days. Management Of Apnea Management approach includes emergency respiratory support and pharmacotherapy…
