Apnea of Prematurity: Diagnosis, Implications for Care, and Pharmacologic Management

Apnea is a disorder of respiratory control commonly seen in premature infants. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain apnea, and many clinical conditions have been associated with its development. Apnea of prematurity is seen in infants less than 37 weeks gestation, with the incidence increasing as gestational age decreases. Expert and consistent nursing care is essential for management of premature infants with apnea. This article reviews the differential diagnosis, pathogenesis, and implications for care of apnea of prematurity.