[Neonatal apnea]

OBJECTIVE: To review medical literature related to apnea of prematurity. SOURCES: Extensive literature search and clinical practice-oriented concepts. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Apnea is one of the most common respiratory disorders in the neonatal period. Immaturity of the central nervous system is associated with instability of respiration. Therefore, apnea manifests itself in other systems, causing problems such as hypoglycemia, hypothermia, infection, or patent ductus arteriosus. Apnea may be central, obstructive or mixed depending on the presence of air flow through the upper airways. Diagnosis should involve careful observation by unit personnel and the monitoring of heart rate, respiratory frequency or arterial oxygen saturation. Initially, the treatment consists of xanthines (caffeine and aminophylline). If respiratory failure occurs, then continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and mechanical ventilation should be used. CONCLUSIONS: Preterm newborns are susceptible to respiratory problems, having apnea as a clinical manifestation of disorders in many organs and systems.