Infantile Apnea

Abstract

There is presently no test capable of predicting an infant's risk for SIDS: there is no screening test for susceptibility to SIDS. The nature of a child's apneic episode is somewhat predictive of that infant's risk for subsequent unexpected death. Early signs suggesting respiratory center dysfunction are upper airway obstruction during sleep and hypoventilation during sleep. The most common causes of frequent "false" apnea alarms are poor lead placement, defective lead wires, improper sensitivity settings, and shallow breathing. Clearance of methylxanthines is lower in infancy than later in childhood; lower doses are necessary to avoid toxicity in infants. The relationship of infantile apnea to SIDS has not been firmly established. Infants who have had choking episodes and associated respiratory pauses are, in general, at no increased risk of sudden unexpected death. Apnea associated with acute viral or bacterial infections has not been shown to be a risk factor for subsequent SIDS.