Periodic Breathing

<h3><strong>Periodic Breathing</strong> episodes are characterized by a pattern of alternating breaths and brief respiratory pauses. Although descriptions vary, periodic breathing is usually defined as repetitive cycles of breathing and respiratory pauses that are approximately 5 to 10 seconds in duration. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">These pauses may be accompanied by modest oxygen desaturation and bradycardia that do not require clinical intervention</span>. Periodic breathing is common in preterm infants. It needs to be differentiated from apnea of prematurity as it typically does not require intervention. In some infants, episodes of severe decreases in the percent of oxygenated hemoglobin measured by pulse oximetry (SpO₂) need to be addressed.</h3>