Apnea of prematurity: Brief review of pathogenesis and pragmatic guidelines for its management in resource limited countries

Apnea of prematurity (aop) is diagnosed in more than 50% of premature infants and is inversely related to gestational age at birth. nearly all infants born at < 29 weeks or weighing < 1000 grams at birth are affected,54% born at 30-31 weeks,15% born at 32-33 weeks and 7% born at 34-35 weeks. though it is a common problem there is lack of consensus amongst caregivers on the criteria used to diagnose aop,and to its management and long-term significance. this review present the current thinking about the etiology,diagnosis and management of aop and suggests an evidence based management guideline suitable for resource limited countries.