Characterization of prolonged apneic episodes associated with respiratory syncytial virus infection.

We used high-speed polygraphic recordings to document in detail the sequence of events during prolonged apneic spells in two infants with respiratory syncytial viral (RSV) infection. Also, we elicited upper airway reflexes by stimulating the airway with saline during sleep. Spontaneous prolonged apneic spells were recorded in both infants, and these consisted of two distinctly different apnea types. A number of similarities between apnea of prematurity, upper airway reflex apnea and the apneas in these two infants with RSV infection suggests the possibility that these various kinds of apnea may have related causal mechanisms.