Apnea Research

We are a center of research investigating the causes of apnea of prematurity, apnea associated with upper respiratory infections and apnea associated with gastroesophageal reflux. We also test new monitors and other related devices needed for the evaluation and treatment of apnea. Researchers in the Division of Neonatology have actively investigated these issues and have published more than 200 articles related to apnea, SIDS and newborn respiratory physiology.

The Division's accomplishments include:

• Development of the thermistor-pneumocardiogram study, now the standard respiratory evaluation for children with apnea
• Recognition of the syndrome of awake apnea and its relationship to gastroesophageal reflux
• Development of clinical protocols for the management of the infant with apnea or the infant who is a sibling of a SIDS victim
• Characterization of children with excessive periodic breathing and new techniques for pharmacological and medical management
• Identification of apnea associated with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and its response to pharmacological management