![Page 1: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
APNEA, ALTE
, and SIDS
Valerie Vickers RNCApnea Program Coordinator, UMC
![Page 2: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
APNEA is a nonspecific indicator of distress
Failure of a systemEarly indicator of
deterioration
Many known cause of apnea can be diagnosed and treated.
![Page 3: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
PERIODIC BREATHING
•Thought to be benign
•PB Apnea SIDS???
Definition of Periodic Breathing: 3 or more pauses for greater than 30 seconds duration with less than 20 seconds of respiration between pauses.
![Page 4: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
APNEA Cessation of respiratory airflow
CENTRAL No respiratory effort, no nasal airflow Developmental phenomenon
OBSTRUCTIVE respiratory effort, no nasal airflow, HR Caused by aspiration, laryngospasm or
poor airway control
MIXED Both obstructive and central
![Page 5: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
PERCENTAGE OF APNEA: Central 40-45% Obstructive 10-15% Mixed 40-45%
More premature = more mixed
![Page 6: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
INCIDENCE OF APNEA:
•25 % of infants under 2500 grams at birth•80% of infants under 1000 grams at birth•25% of infants of all gestational ages (Rigatto)
![Page 7: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
Reflex Effects of APNEA
sinus bradycardia drop in blood pressure change in cerebral blood flow
Apnea and periodic breathing are common in premature infants after the first 24 to 48 hours of life.
Premature infants sleep 80% of the time, term infants 50%. Apnea only occurs with active sleep.
![Page 8: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
CNS Immaturity
number of synaptic connections and incomplete dendritic arborization - cause sensitivity of respiratory center to CO2
therefore in afferent traffic to reticular formation and reduction and fluctuation of respiratory center output
![Page 9: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
Other factors contributing to decreased inspiratory effort:
activity of protective respiratory reflexes
minute ventilation diaphragmatic fatigue soft compliant chest
Therefore mixed apnea occurs
frequently in premies.
![Page 10: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
PATHOLOGIC APNEA
Apnea > 20 seconds with cyanosis, abrupt, marked pallor or hypotonia, or bradycardia < 100 bpm
![Page 11: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
APNEA OF PREMATURITY (AOP)
Premature infants who never had AOP or whose AOP has resolved
ASYMPTOMATIC PREMATURE INFANTS
PB with pathologic apnea in a premature infant Diagnosis of exclusion Usually resolves by 37 weeks post conception but
occasionally persists for several weeks past term
SYPMTOMATIC PREMATURE INFANTS Premature infants who continue to have
pathologic apnea at the time when they otherwise would be ready for discharge
![Page 12: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
If no other cause found, the diagnosis is AOP.
Diagnosis of exclusion Most common form of apnea in premies Developmental characteristics are primary
cause due to poor development of both CNS and airway control
AOP is probably caused by abnormality in the central control for breathing:
Decreased inspiratory effort and blunted response to CO2 and O2 plus prolonged brainstem conduction times result in hypoventilation and hypercarbia
![Page 13: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
Apnea is Associated with Many Clinical Conditions:
Intraventricular bleedMay see hypoventilation, apnea or respiratory
arrest
Subtle seizuresAlong with fluttering eyelids, drooling or
sucking, tonic posturing
Sepsis Bacterial (GBS, staph. Proteus, Listeria,
Coliforms Viral (RSV, paraflu, herpes, CMV Chlamydial NEC
![Page 14: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
Congestive Heart Failure PDA and CHD Due to decreased lung compliance Respiratory muscle fatigue Chest wall distortion Hypoxemia
Respiratory Distress Syndrome Due to atelectasis, work of breathing, fatigue May lead to chronic lung disease
Anemia oxygen carrying capacity of blood Arterial pressure perfusing CNS
Polycythemia blood viscosity and blood flow to CNS begins at 2-4 hours of age
![Page 15: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
High temperature of environment Feeding problems
overdistention of stomach aspiration GER (gastroesphogeal reflux) with or without
aspirations• due to laryngospasm• stimulation of irritant receptors in lower esophagus
causing ‘reflux apnea’• some reflux is common (laundry issue only?)
Metabolic conditions Hypoglycemia Hypocalcemia Hypernatremia Alkalosis
Others Myelomeningocele Meningitis
![Page 16: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
ALTE
“APPARENT LIFE THREATENING EVENT” Frightening event to the
observer Combination of apnea Color change Marked change in muscle tone Over 37 weeks conceptual age
![Page 17: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
Careful Evaluation of Episode Obtain accurate report including
feeding and sleeping history Physical exam, vital signs Temperature of isolette CBC, lytes, ABG’s, pulse ox Blood and viral cultures Chest xray Cranial ultrasound Echocardiogram pH probe, barium swallow Placement of feeding tubes (OG/NG) Computer monitor reports if available Sleep study
![Page 18: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
TREATMENT OF APNEA
Dependent on Etiology Least invasive Treat underlying causes Non-pharmacologic vs
pharmacologic
![Page 19: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
TREATMENT: NON-PHARMACOLOGIC
Tactile stimulation neutral ambient
temperature Address feeding issues / GER Oxygen Mechanical CPAP / ventilation
• CPAP markedly reduces apneic episodes with an obstructive component
• Improves patency of upper airway by activation of dilator muscles or by passive splinting
![Page 20: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
• May treat more severe AOP with methylxanthines.
• Methylxanthines effect neurotransmitters and increase the transmission of impulses across nerves and synapses.
TREATMENT: PHARMACOLOGIC
![Page 21: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
METHYLXANTHINESCAFFEINE
2.5 - 5 mg /kg / day once per day (therapeutic range 8-15 mcg/ml)
THEOPHYLLINE 3-6 mg/kg/day divided in 2 doses
per day (therapeutic range 6-12 mcg/ml)
![Page 22: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
Caffeine is often preferable: More centrally active Not metabolized by the liver However - many pharmacies
do not carry it
METHYLYXANTHINES (cont.)
NOTE: Neither drug has had controlled study for efficacy
Methylxanthines can exacerbate GER - use the right drug for treatment
![Page 23: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
GOAL: HOME DRUG FREE
Goal is to discharge without methylxanthines
No apneic events for 5 days If discharge on methylxanthines,
standard in this community is also discharge with monitor
May discharge with monitor only and no medications (rare)
![Page 24: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
HOME MONITORS
At Risk Group: Infants less than 1000 grams Infants who continue to apnea and
bradycardia Infants requiring methylxanthines to
control apnea Infants with severe reflux Infants with tracheostomies Less risk but for family’s peace of mind
• Infants with severe BPD requiring oxygen• SIDS sibling or twin of SIDS• Infants with non-repeated ALTE
![Page 25: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
CRITERIA FOR SUCCESS OF HOME MONITORING
Training is crucial! Apnea class including CPR Caregivers have adequate time to
use equipment prior to discharge
Support is imperative! Support system includes: medical,
technical, psychosocial, community support
Choose the right monitor!
![Page 26: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
TERMINATION OF MONITOR USE
Usually by 6 months of age No significant apnea for 2 months If on methylxanthines, 1-2 weeks
after discontinuation of medications and not significant apnea
Resolution of primary problem
MONITORING CANNOT GUARANTEE
SURVIVAL
![Page 27: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS)Sudden death of any infant or young
child which is unexplained by history and in which a thorough post mortem fails to demonstrate and adequate cause of death.*
*Definition taken from the NIH Consensus Development Conference on Infantile Apnea and Home Monitoring
![Page 28: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
SIDS STATISTICS1-2 deaths per 1000 live births per year
with Back to Sleep campaign in the US - by 40%
leading cause of death in infants older than one month
Most common age for SIDS is 2-4 months 99% of deaths before 6 months 1 % of deaths 6-12 months extremely rare in the 1st month of life infants have change in response to hypoxia
around 6 months of age
![Page 29: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
SIDS FACTS SIDS risk for an infant with AOP or who
has had an ALTE is at no greater risk than the general population
Premature infants have a slightly greater risk which increases as their gestational age decreases
Home monitoring of infants has NOT decreased the incidence of SIDS
The SIDS sibling is not at greater risk of SIDS than the general population
![Page 30: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
Research indicates that SIDS is more complex than a single abnormality in a single system.
SIDS PREVENTION
Failure of arousal mechanism
Ethnicity is a factor
Back to Sleep campaign
AAP discourages the use of monitors
![Page 31: V Vickers 2002 APNEA, ALTE, and SIDS Valerie Vickers RNC Apnea Program Coordinator, UMC](https://reader037.vdocuments.net/reader037/viewer/2022110323/56649d5f5503460f94a3f95e/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
V Vickers 2002
SIDS RESEARCH
Research findings: Supine sleeping position most protective, side
lying better than prone but not protective as supine
Overheating contributory Smoking contributory Any breastfeeding is protective Research indicates SIDS is a malfunction in arousal CHIME study indicates that normal infants have
apnea, bradycardia and desaturations into the 70’s - question why they can recover and the infant who dies of SIDS does not
Tachycardia then bradycardia prior to fatal event - not necessarily proceeded by apneic event
Research indicates that SIDS is more complex than a single abnormality in a single system.