Apnea in the term infant. Issue 4 (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patrinos, Mary Elaine; Martin, Richard J.
• Is Part Of: Seminars in fetal & neonatal medicine. Volume 22:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 240
• Page End: 244
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: BRUE brief resolved unexplained event -- ALTE apparent life-threatening episode -- SIDS sudden infant death syndrome -- SUID sudden unexplained infant death; Neonatology -- Periodicals; Newborn infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Fetus -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.9201
• DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2017.04.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-165X

Abstract

Abstract: Whereas apnea of prematurity has been well defined and its pathophysiology extensively studied, apnea in the term infant remains a greater challenge. Unfortunately, clear diagnostic criteria are lacking and pathogenesis and management vary widely. In this review we have arbitrarily organized the discussion chronologically into earlier and later postnatal periods. In the first days of life, presumed apnea may reflect physiologic events such as positional or feeding etiologies, or may be a manifestation of serious pathophysiology, such as a seizure disorder. Beyond the neonatal period, presumed apnea may be characterized as a BRUE event (brief resolved unexplained event; formerly referred to as ALTE: apparent life-threatening event) and most frequently a precipitating event cannot be identified. Medical providers are left with somewhat of a dilemma regarding the need to hospitalize and/or work up such patients.