Apnea of prematurity
Apnea of prematurity (AOP) is an indication of the immaturity of the respiratory control system in the brain, which is mediated by the brainstem. [1] It is a common disorder that affects about 80% of infants born at <32 weeks] 2[, low birth weight or associated illnesses]3[.Apnea of prematurity is characterized by periodic breathing pauses that lasts more than 15 seconds and accompanied by bradycardia (less than 80 b\m) and hypoxia (Saturation less than 80%).]4[When the cause of the apnea is not detected, it is mainly diagnosed asapnea of prematurity. There are three diagnostic classifications: obstructive (10-20%), central (10-55%) and mixed (33-71%).]5[In this reflection essay, we will be discussing the supportive care …show more content…
Dealing and managing AOP needs an excellent RT; who is not only reliant on general background knowledge and is not content with only taking orders. An excellent RT is an updated one, a valuable contributing member of the medical team that shares his or her updated knowledge to aid in making the plan. The recent literature on pharmacological interventions showedboth inhaled CO2 and caffeine therapy to be safer and better toleratedinterventions for AOP than theophylline. Early caffeine therapy decreases bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) , the need for surgical or pharmacologicalPatent ductusarteriosus (PDA) treatments, improves respiratory muscle contractility and pulmonary mechanics. Higher doses of caffeinetherapy reduceextubation failure, apnea episodes and oxygen therapy.As for the non-pharmacological interventions,SNIPPV significantly reduces episodes of bradycardia, desaturation and central apnea, WOB that is the result of asynchrony. Even though the three-stair-position showed promising results due to limitations of studies,until further investigation is done the prone, head-elevated tilt position remains the
Apnea of prematurity (AOP) is an indication of the immaturity of the respiratory control system in the brain, which is mediated by the brainstem. [1] It is a common disorder that affects about 80% of infants born at <32 weeks] 2[, low birth weight or associated illnesses]3[.Apnea of prematurity is characterized by periodic breathing pauses that lasts more than 15 seconds and accompanied by bradycardia (less than 80 b\m) and hypoxia (Saturation less than 80%).]4[When the cause of the apnea is not detected, it is mainly diagnosed asapnea of prematurity. There are three diagnostic classifications: obstructive (10-20%), central (10-55%) and mixed (33-71%).]5[In this reflection essay, we will be discussing the supportive care …show more content…
Dealing and managing AOP needs an excellent RT; who is not only reliant on general background knowledge and is not content with only taking orders. An excellent RT is an updated one, a valuable contributing member of the medical team that shares his or her updated knowledge to aid in making the plan. The recent literature on pharmacological interventions showedboth inhaled CO2 and caffeine therapy to be safer and better toleratedinterventions for AOP than theophylline. Early caffeine therapy decreases bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) , the need for surgical or pharmacologicalPatent ductusarteriosus (PDA) treatments, improves respiratory muscle contractility and pulmonary mechanics. Higher doses of caffeinetherapy reduceextubation failure, apnea episodes and oxygen therapy.As for the non-pharmacological interventions,SNIPPV significantly reduces episodes of bradycardia, desaturation and central apnea, WOB that is the result of asynchrony. Even though the three-stair-position showed promising results due to limitations of studies,until further investigation is done the prone, head-elevated tilt position remains the