Infant apnea. An approach to management.

Apnea of infancy represents a problem that is commonly encountered by the practicing pediatrician; yet, few publications have outlined a practical approach to the care of such infants. In addition, the somewhat controversial aspects of infant apnea and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) have resulted in the belief on the part of many physicians that the care of children with apnea or "near-miss" SIDS is either very difficult or of little value. This article, which is based upon the program at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, describes an effective management plan for identifying children at risk, lists appropriate evaluation studies, and presents a series of protocols for treating infants with apnea. The initiation of this program has helped to demystify the care of children with apnea and has been very well received by both parents and physicians.