[Obstructive apnea and periodic respiration in premature infants].

BACKGROUND

Disturbances of cardiorespiratory function are common clinical problems in preterm infants. Polygraphic recordings during sleep were performed in order to determine frequency and severity of idiopathic apnea of prematurity.

METHOD: In 137 preterm infants at the corrected age of < +/- 0 weeks, 0-12 weeks, 13-24 weeks and > or = 25 weeks respectively central and obstructive apnea and periodic breathing were recorded by polysomnography including nasal airflow and thoracic and abdominal breathing movements and compared with 50 normal full-term infants.

RESULTS

Apnea frequency was inversely correlated to gestational age in premature and term infants. Whereas no differences were found concerning central apnea and periodic breathing, obstructive apnea occurred more frequently in premature than in term infants during the first weeks of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Conclusively, in early infancy premature infants have an inclination to upper airway obstruction.