Early diagnosis of central respiratory disorders in infants to avoid postoperative complications

: Infants with a higher incidence of frequent and prolonged apneas during sleep (sleep apnea syndrome) as a consequence of a delayed maturation of respiratory control, have an increased risk for respiratory problems after anesthesia. In 12 babies (one to five months old) showing visible apneas with cyanosis up to 12 hours after herniotomies, the respiratory pattern was examined by impedance pneumography during spontaneous sleep. The mean apnea duration (M.A. value) amounted to 8,6 +/- 5,96 sec/min, whereas the M.A. value of a comparable control group was significantly lower (2,97 +/- 2,13 sec/min) Aminophylline prophylaxis of risk infants diminished significantly the frequency of postoperative respiratory complications.