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Apnea of prematurity

Alternative Names: Apnea - newborns; AOP; As and Bs; Blue spell - newborns; Dusky spell - newborns; Spell - newborns Treatment: Treatment of apnea depends on the situation, including the most likely causes, the frequency of spells, and the severity of spells. Babies who appear to be otherwise healthy with few spells per day are simply watched and can be gently stimulated during their occasional episodes. Text Continues Below Babies who are well appearing with multiple spells may be placed on a caffeine preparation to help stimulate their breathing. Proper positioning, slower feeding time, oxygen, and (in extreme cases) ventilator support may be needed to assist in breathing. Babies who have worsening apnea or appear ill are often studied and treated for the causes. Expectations (prognosis): Because apnea is common in the premature population, and because most of these babies have normal outcomes, it is felt that mild apnea does not have long-term effects. However, most doctors feel that prevention of multiple or severe episodes is better for the baby on the long term.

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