Post-anesthesia apnea in Former Preterm and Term infants: A Protocol for Qualitative Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Year: 2025
Type: report
Study design: Study Protocol
Abstract: eview question / Objective Our primary objectives are: 1) perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available English literature; 2) describe the extensive literature review we used to unify the available data; 3) identify risks factors that contribute to post-anesthesia apnea susceptibility; 4) clarify with greater specificity infants at risk for postanesthesia apnea.Rationale Former preterm and term infants are at increased risk for apnea after sedation or anesthesia.The increased susceptibility is attributed to immaturity of central respiratory mechanisms, respiratory musculature and sensitivity to anesthetic and sedative agents.Additionally, because of their increased oxygen consumption, former preterm and term infants are at greater risk for oxygen desaturation and associated bradycardia during apnea events.Concerns regarding the potential impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes from cardiorespiratory insults further underscore the need for improved management recommendations.Studies suggested that the "at-risk" period for postanesthesia apnea and bradycardia may be up to 60 weeks postconceptual age (PCA) for former preterm infants, and up to 45 weeks in full-term infants.Multiple case reports, clinical studies, and systematic reviews have described risk factors contributing to post-anesthesia apnea.There are no consistent criteria across institutions regarding appropriate cut-off ages for admission, monitoring modalities, and duration of monitoring.Condition being studied Post-operative or postanesthesia apnea in infants after therapeutic or diagnostic procedures under anesthesia or sedation.Identify associated risk factors.
Authors: PRITI DALAL, Shobha Malviya, Charles Coté, Manon Haché, Amy Knehans, Laura Donohue, Jennifer Chiem, Tatiana Kubacki, James Fehr, Joseph Cravero, Vernon Chinchilli, Eugenie Heitmiller
Language: English
Subfield: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4415549846