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Neonatal Apnea, Pediatric

Kalpashri Kesavan, MD, Zankhana Master, MD and Estelle B. Gauda, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Apnea of infancy

    • An unexplained episode of cessation of breathing for 20 seconds or longer or a shorter respiratory pause associated with bradycardia, cyanosis, pallor, and/or marked ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Immaturity of respiratory control is the primary cause for AOP, but many coexisting factors can potentiate or worsen apnea.

  • Apnea of infancy is uncommon and should warrant a thorough e...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Back-to-sleep positioning

  • Avoid extreme flexion or extension of neck.

  • Provide stable thermoneutral environment.

  • Smoke-free environment

MEDICATION

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Infants born before 37 weeks should pass a car seat test prior to discharge after birth.

  • Caregivers should be instructed on back-to-sleep, crib safety measure, and...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Di Fiore JM, Martin RJ, Gauda EB. Apnea of prematurity—perfect storm. Respir Physiol Neurobiol.  2013;189(2):213–222. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Di Fiore JM, Poets CF, Gaud...

CODES

ICD9

  • 770.81 Primary apnea of newborn

  • 770.82 Other apnea of newborn

  • 327.21 Primary central sleep apnea

  • 327.23 Obstructive sleep apnea (adult)(pediatric)

  • 786.03 Apnea

ICD10

  • P28.4 Other apnea of newborn

  • P2...

FAQ

  • Q: Should infants on caffeine for AOP be discharged home?

  • A: It is not universal practice that infants with AOP are discharged home on caffeine and home monitoring. It is more common to discharge t...

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