Apnea of Premature Neonates

Course overview

Apnea of prematurity (AOP) is the cessation of breathing for more than 20 seconds or less when accompanied by oxygen desaturation (oxygenation saturation [SPO2] less than 85%) with or without cyanosis or bradycardia (HR less than 100 beats per minute [bpm]) in neonates with a gestational age less than 37 weeks (Balest, 2021). AOP is an individualized and self-limiting process independent from other disease processes. AOP usually resolves as the infant grows and matures, typically by 44 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA).