Apnea of prematurity and sudden infant death syndrome

Abstract

Apnea is a frequent occurrence in prematurity and its prevalence in the most severely preterm population is indicative of an immature respiratory neural control system. Preterm infants are also at increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which has been associated with similar respiratory neural control dysfunction seen in prematurity. Generally, abnormalities in both central and peripheral mechanisms of respiratory control are thought to be key underlying features of abnormal respiratory system development. Numerous factors contribute to the etiology of apnea and respiratory control dysfunction including the environment (e.g., substance use/misuse), sex, genetics, a vulnerable neonate, and various underlying comorbidities. However, there are major gaps in our understanding of both normal and abnormal respiratory control system development, which highlights the need for continued research using novel and innovative methods.

Keywords: Apnea; Brainstem; Carotid body; Intermittent hypoxemia; Prematurity; SIDS.