Apnea of prematurity

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Apnea monitor

Apnea - newborns; AOP; As and Bs; Blue spell - newborns; Dusky spell - newborns; Spell - newborns

Apnea is breathing that slows down or stops from any cause. Apnea of prematurity refers to short episodes of stopped breathing in babies who were born before they were due.

There are several reasons why newborns, especially premature babies, may have apnea, including:

• Their brain is not fully developed
• The muscles that keep the airway open are weak

Other stresses in a sick or premature baby may worsen apnea, including:

• Anemia
• Feeding problems
• Heart or lung problems
• Infection
• Low oxygen levels
• Overstimulation
• Temperature problems

Review Date: 11/02/2009
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pedatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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