Infantile apnea

Infantile apnea
SpecialtyPediatric

Infantile apnea is a rare disease that is characterized by cessation of breathing in an infant for at least 20 seconds or a shorter respiratory pause that is associated with a slow heart rate, bluish discolouration of the skin, extreme paleness, gagging, choking and/or decreased muscle tone.[1][2] Infantile apnea occurs in children under the age of one and it is more common in premature infants.[3] Symptoms of infantile apnea occur most frequently during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep.[4] The nature and severity of breathing problems in patients can be detected in a sleep study called a polysomnography which measures the brain waves, heartbeat, body movements and breathing of a patient overnight.[4] Infantile apnea can be caused by developmental problems that result in an immature brainstem or it can be caused other medical conditions.[1][4][5] As children grow and develop, infantile apnea usually does not persist.[4] Infantile apnea may be related to some cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) however, the relationship between infantile apnea and SIDS is not known.[3]

  1. ^ a b Rocker, Joshua A (2021-07-18). "Pediatric Apnea: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology". Medscape Reference. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  2. ^ Choi, Hee Joung; Kim, Yeo Hyang (2016). "Apparent life-threatening event in infancy". Korean Journal of Pediatrics. 59 (9): 347–354. doi:10.3345/kjp.2016.59.9.347. ISSN 1738-1061. PMC 5052132. PMID 27721838.
  3. ^ a b "Apnea, Infantile - NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders)". NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). Retrieved 2016-10-29.
  4. ^ a b c d "Infant Sleep Apnea - Overview and Facts". www.sleepeducation.org. Retrieved 2016-11-17.
  5. ^ Zhao, Jing; Gonzalez, Fernando; Mu, Dezhi (2016-11-21). "Apnea of prematurity: from cause to treatment". European Journal of Pediatrics. 170 (9): 1097–1105. doi:10.1007/s00431-011-1409-6. ISSN 0340-6199. PMC 3158333. PMID 21301866.