Developmental consequences of short apneas and periodic breathing in preterm infants

ObjectiveWe investigated the relationship between respiratory events experienced before and after hospital discharge and developmental outcomes at 6 months corrected age (CA).Study designPreterm infants born between 28-32 weeks gestational age (GA) were studied at 32-36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA), 36-40 weeks PMA, 3- and 6-months CA. Percentage total sleep time (%TST) with respiratory events (isolated apneas, sequential apneas and periodic breathing (PB)) at each study was calculated. Stepwise multiple linear regressions determined significant predictors of developmental outcomes at 6 months.Result%TST with respiratory events at term were significant predictors of language (R-2 = 0.165, & beta; = -0.416) and motor (R-2 = 0.180, & beta; = -0.485) composite scores of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 6 months, independent of GA, birth weight and sex.ConclusionsIn clinically stable very preterm infants at term equivalent age, time spent having respiratory events, was related to a reduction in language and motor outcomes at 6 months.

Automated summary

This study examined the correlation between respiratory events before and after hospital discharge and developmental outcomes at 6 months corrected age in preterm infants. The results showed that the percentage of total sleep time with respiratory events at term was a significant predictor of language and motor development at 6 months, regardless of gestational age, birth weight, and sex.