The topic Blue Spell - Newborns you are seeking is a synonym, or alternative name, or is closely related to the medical condition Apnea of Prematurity (AOP).

Quick Summary:

• Apnea of Prematurity (AOP) is a disorder where there is stoppage (cessation) of breathing for more than 20 seconds in a premature/preterm infant, born before 34 weeks of gestation.Occasionally, this stoppage is less than 20 seconds. In normal cases, a baby is born at around 40 weeks of gestation
• If cessation of breathing is less than 20 seconds, then in order to diagnose the condition as AOP, it has to be accompanied with a low heart rate, or low O2 saturation in blood (below 85%). A low heart rate is defined as heart rate that is more than 30 beats below the baseline heart rate of the infant. The normal saturation of O2 in the blood is over 98%
• The exact cause of AOP is unknown. However, there are a variety of hypothesis proposed, such as:
  • Central respiratory regulation theory
  • Paradoxical chest movement theory
  • Upper airway instability theory
  • Association with gastro-esophageal reflux theory
• The prognosis depends on severity of Apnea of Prematurity. In mild cases, the prognosis is excellent even without treatment, since the condition gets better as the baby gets older. In severe cases, the infant has to be monitored very closely, since AOP can result in sudden death

Apnea is of two types: Central Apnea and Obstructive Apnea, depending on the cause of AOP

• Central Apnea is caused due to inhibition of the respiratory response from the brain, which means that the brain does not send adequate signals for a normal breathing pattern. This leads to a poor breathing process
• Obstructive Apnea occurs when there is a stoppage of breathing, in spite of continuous respiratory effort. In this type, the brain sends the correct signals for breathing, but the breathing organs, such as wind pipe, chest muscles, and lungs, do not function well

Please find comprehensive information on Apnea of Prematurity (AOP) regarding definition, distribution, risk factors, causes, signs & symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment, prevention, prognosis, and additional useful information HERE.