About infantile apnea

What is infantile apnea?

Apnea is a term used to describe the temporary absence of spontaneous breathing. Infantile apnea occurs in children under the age of one year. Apnea may occur because of neurological impairment of the respiratory rhythm or obstruction of air flow through the air passages. The symptoms of infantile apnea include the stoppage of breathing during sleep, an abnormal bluish discoloration to the skin (cyanosis) and sometimes an unusually slow heartbeat (bradycardia). Infantile apnea may be related to some cases of sudden infant death syndrome. Episodes of apnea may decrease with age. However, several forms of adult sleep apnea also exist.

What are the symptoms for infantile apnea?

The symptoms of infantile apnea include the temporary cessation of breathing; an abnormal bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, and mouth (cyanosis), and/or an unusually slow heartbeat (bradycardia). Serious apnea is defined as the cessation of breathing during sleep for longer than 10 to 15 seconds.

Infantile Sleep apnea may occur in several forms. The normal rate of respiration is regulated by groups of nerve cells in the brain. They control the rhythm of breathing in response to changing oxygen levels in the blood (respiratory drive). In central apnea, the respiratory drive is low and, during apneic episodes, there are no chest movements and no air passes through the mouth or nostrils. In this form of the disease, the brain does not send adequate signals to the diaphragm and lungs. Breathing stops and does not resume until the oxygen-starved brain sends impulses to the diaphragm and lungs.

In obstructive apnea (upper airway apnea), the airway is blocked and breathing may become difficult. Blockage may occur for a variety of reasons including collapse of the soft tissues of the throat. In this form of apnea, chest movements are present, but there is no air flow into the lungs. When breathing resumes, infants may make a loud “snorting noise” and become aroused from sleep. Obstructive apnea does not involve the cessation of breathing; rather, the affected infant struggles to breath and has increased respiratory effort.

Central apnea followed by or together with obstructive apnea is known as mixed apnea.

Some research indicates that in many cases the symptoms of infantile apnea may decrease with advancing age.

What are the causes for infantile apnea?

The exact cause of infantile apnea is not known. It may occur as the result of a combination of environmental and developmental factors (multifactoral). In extremely rare cases, central infantile apnea may be familial and affect more family members than would otherwise be expected.

What are the treatments for infantile apnea?

To help prevent the potentially severe complications of infantile apnea, home apnea and cardiac monitors can alert a parent or caregiver to an episode of symptoms. These devices should be purchased only under the advice of a physician who is knowledgeable about the safety and effectiveness of apnea and cardiac monitors. Treatment may sometimes include the administration of drugs that stimulate the respiratory system (i.e., theophylline or caffeine). Parents and caregivers should be knowledgeable in lifesaving techniques such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In some infants, overheating should be avoided to possibly help reduce the frequency of apneic episodes. The infant should sleep in a supine position, unless he/she has obstructive sleep apnea or gastroesophageal reflux.

If the symptoms of infantile apnea are severe, the drug aminophylline or another xanthine medication may be prescribed. Oxygen may be supplied as needed. For those infants with obstructive or mixed apnea, a medical device known as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may be used to assist regular breathing. A mask is placed on the infant's nose and is connected through a tube to the CPAP device. This machine forces air through the tube at low pressure that is sufficient to keep the infant's upper airway open and to allow air to enter the lungs.

Is there a cure/medications for infantile apnea?

Infantile apnea is a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during infancy. It is characterized by apnea, or cessation of breathing, for 20 seconds or more. These pauses may occur dozens of times per day and can last for several minutes. It is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
There is no known cure for infantile apnea, but there are certain medications that can help to control it.
1. The most common medication used to treat infantile apnea is called methylprednisolone, which is a steroid that helps to reduce inflammation in the airways. Treatment may sometimes include administering drugs that stimulate the respiratory system (i.e., theophylline or caffeine).
2. Other medications that may be used include bronchodilators, which help to open up the airways, and anticholinergics, which help to prevent spasms in the airways.
3. In severe conditions, the drug aminophylline or another xanthine medication may be prescribed. Oxygen may also be supplied as needed.
4. For those infants with obstructive or mixed apnea, a medical device known as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may be used to assist with regular breathing.
5. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct any anatomic abnormalities that are causing the apnea.
6. The overall treatment goal is to prevent breathing pauses from occurring and ensure that the infant has adequate ventilation.
7. With proper treatment, most infants with infantile apnea will go on to lead healthy lives.

Symptoms
Apnea, or cessation of breathing,Dozens of pauses in breathing per day,Pauses that last for several minutes,Stoppage of breathing during sleep,An abnormal bluish discoloration of the skin
Conditions
Absence of spontaneous breathing,Cyanosis,Bradycardia,Unusually slow heartbeat
Drugs
Methylprednisolone,Bronchodilators,Anticholinergics,Surgery (anatomic abnormalities)

Video related to infantile apnea