Question

What are the other modalities of treatment and prevention?

Hint:

A combination of respiratory support, caffeine, and preventive strategies is typically used to manage and reduce the occurrence of apnea of prematurity in preterm infants.

Answer 1

In addition to caffeine therapy, several other modalities are used for the treatment and prevention of apnea of prematurity.
Step 1: Respiratory Support:
1. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP is used to maintain airway patency and prevent atelectasis, reducing the incidence of apnea.
2. Mechanical Ventilation: In severe cases of apnea, mechanical ventilation may be required to support the infant's respiratory function until the infant's respiratory control improves.
Step 2: Prevention Strategies:
1. Antenatal Steroids: Administration of corticosteroids to mothers at risk of preterm labor helps accelerate fetal lung maturation, reducing the risk of RDS and subsequent apnea.
2. Methylxanthine Therapy: In some cases, medications like theophylline may be used as an alternative to caffeine, though caffeine is preferred due to its better safety profile.