A preterm infant showed apnoea at bih associated with bradycardia. Apnoea is defined as cessation of respiration for at least:
**Core Concept**
Apnoea in preterm infants is a significant concern due to its association with increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome, hypoxia, and mortality. The definition of apnoea is crucial for diagnosing and managing this condition. Apnoea is characterized by a cessation of breathing, which can lead to bradycardia, hypoxia, and even cardiac arrest.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Apnoea is defined as a pause in breathing lasting at least 20 seconds or associated with bradycardia (heart rate < 100 bpm) or oxygen desaturation. This definition helps clinicians identify and manage apnoea in preterm infants promptly. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other professional organizations recommend this definition for diagnosing apnoea in neonates.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Apnoea is defined as a pause in breathing lasting at least 10 seconds. **Incorrect** because this duration is too short to be considered apnoea, which requires a longer pause or association with bradycardia or oxygen desaturation.
**Option B:** Apnoea is defined as a pause in breathing lasting at least 30 seconds. **Incorrect** because this duration is too long, and the definition of apnoea is more related to the association with bradycardia or oxygen desaturation than just the duration of the pause.
**Option C:** Apnoea is defined as a pause in breathing lasting at least 20 seconds without any associated symptoms. **Incorrect** because this definition does not account for the association with bradycardia or oxygen desaturation, which are crucial for diagnosing apnoea.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In preterm infants, apnoea is a common cause of bradycardia and hypoxia. Clinicians should be aware of the definition of apnoea and its association with bradycardia or oxygen desaturation to diagnose and manage this condition promptly.
**Correct Answer:** C.