Association between Apnea of Prematurity and Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Late Preterm Infants: An Observational Study

Abstract

BackgroundLate preterm infants (34–36 weeks’ gestation) remain a population at risk for apnea of prematurity (AOP). As infants affected by respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) have immature lungs, they might also have immature control of breathing. Our hypothesis is that an association exists between RDS and AOP in late preterm infants.ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study was to assess the association between RDS and AOP in late preterm infants. The secondary objective was to evaluate if an association exists between apparent RDS severity and AOP.MethodsThis retrospective observational study was realized in a tertiary care center between January 2009 and December 2011. Data from late preterm infants who presented an uncomplicated perinatal evolution, excepted for RDS, were reviewed. Information related to AOP and RDS was collected using the medical record. Odds ratios were calculated using a binary logistic regression adjusted for gestational age and sex.ResultsAmong the 982 included infants, 85 (8.7%) had an RDS diagnosis, 281 (28.6%) had AOP diagnosis, and 107 (10.9%) were treated with caffeine for AOP. There was a significant association between AOP treated with caffeine and RDS for all infants (OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 2.0–5.7). There was no association between AOP and RDS in 34 weeks infants [AOR: 1.6 (95% CI: 0.7–3.8)], but an association remains for 35 [AOR: 5.7 (95% CI: 2.5–13.4)] and 36 [OR = 7.8 (95% CI: 3.2–19.4)] weeks infants. No association was found between apparent RDS severity and AOP, regarding mean oxygen administration duration or complications associated with RDS.ConclusionThe association between RDS and AOP in late preterm infants reflects that patients affected by RDS are not only presenting lung immaturity but also respiratory control immaturity. Special consideration should be given before discontinuing monitoring after RDS resolution in those patients.

Car Seat Tolerance Screening for Late-Preterm Infants

“…4,10 Late-preterm infants have higher incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, transient tachypnea, apnea, and respiratory failure than term infants. [10][11][12] They have increased risk of developmental delays, often out of proportion for their level of illness in the hospital. 13 Significant cortical and cerebellar growth and maturation occur during the late-preterm period, indicating that even mild insults during this time frame could lead to significant consequences on later brain development.…”

Factors Associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding of Late Preterm Infants in Neonatal Hospital: Cross-Sectional Study

“…В периоде новорожденности у таких младенцев могут развиваться нарушения, во многом обусловленные недостаточным вниманием к проблемам их вскармливания: гипотермия, гипогликемия, эксикоз, чрезмерная потеря массы и медленное ее нарастание, интенсивная желтуха [6,9,11]. Отмечены также высокий риск повторяющихся апноэ и повышенная восприимчивость к инфекциям [12,13].…”

Clinical outcome and associated factors of respiratory distress syndrome among preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Adama Hospital and Medical College

“…For instance, various studies reported leading comorbidity as neonatal sepsis (26.1%–71%), hypothermia (63%), and apnea of prematurity (28.6%). 22 – 25 Beyond the impact of RDS on the neonate, the family and health system itself suffer repercussions. 26 …”