Prolonged but reversible respiratory failure in a newborn with Prader-Willi syndrome.

A 29-week premature infant with severe central hypoventilation secondary to Prader-Willi syndrome required mechanical ventilation until 55 days of age. This disorder must be considered in the differential diagnosis of a premature infant who does not have primary lung disease but has significant hypotonia because the respiratory failure may require prolonged supportive care.