Definition

Noun: - A breathing disorder in newborn infants: This term refers to an irregular breathing pattern observed in some newborns, characterized by cycles of abnormally rapid breathing followed by brief pauses in breathing (apnea). It is clinically noted and was historically studied for a potential association with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The monitor alerted the nurses to an episode of periodic apnea of the newborn.
  • Research into periodic apnea of the newborn aimed to understand its link to SIDS risk factors.

Advanced Usage

• This term is primarily used in specific medical, pediatric, and neonatal contexts. It describes a clinical observation rather than a common condition.
  • The study focused on the pathophysiology underlying periodic apnea of the newborn.

Variants and Related Words

• Apnea (n): The temporary cessation of breathing, especially during sleep.
  • Sleep apnea is a common disorder in adults.
• Newborn apnea (n phrase): A more general term for breathing pauses in infants.
• Periodic breathing (n phrase): A broader term for cyclical breathing patterns, which can be a normal variant in premature infants.

Synonyms

• Newborn periodic breathing (clinical phrase)
• Infant apnea (broader, less specific term)

Notes on Meaning

• This is a highly specialized medical term. The "periodic" element refers to the cyclical nature of the breathing pattern (rapid breaths followed by a pause). It is important to distinguish this from single, isolated apnea events or from normal periodic breathing patterns seen in preterm infants. The reference to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) indicates its historical significance in medical research, though a direct causative link is not definitively established.

Noun

1. irregular breathing of newborns; periods of rapid breathing followed by apnea; believed to be associated with sudden infant death syndrome