[Apnea of prematurity: risk factors and ambulatory treatment with caffeine citrate.] [Arch Pediatr] Journal article

INTRODUCTION: Apnea of prematurity develop during the first days of life and usually resolve by the time the infant reaches 36-37 weeks postmenstrual age. In a few cases, they persist beyond term, especially in infants delivered at the youngest gestational ages (24-28 GA), and require specific care. In our unit, those preterm babies are discharged home with caffeine citrate treatment. Discontinuing the treatment is performed in hospital when they achieve a postmenstrual age of at least 42 weeks.
OBJECTIVE: To identify predictive factors of persistent apnea in preterm babies.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study comparing a population of 41 preterm infants discharged with treatment to 123 preterm babies discharged without treatment to identify predictors of persistent apnea.
RESULTS: Factors significantly associated were: birth weight<1500 g, initial hypotension, gastroesophageal reflux, need for continuous positive airway pressure and multiparity. At home, no infant died and no adverse effect was reported by parents.
CONCLUSION: Persistent apnea can be responsible for prolonged hospitalization. Risk factors can be identified in some children. Discharging with treatment can be an alternative to their hospitalization.

Arch Pediatr