Premature infants are at increased risk for apnea until they reach how many weeks postconceptual age?

Premature infants are at increased risk for apnea until they reach how many weeks postconceptual age?

• A. 50 weeks
• B. 60 weeks
• C. 70 weeks
• D. 80 weeks

Answer: (B)

Premature infants have immature central respiratory control, which makes apnea of prematurity more likely until the brainstem and chemoreceptor systems mature. This maturation is tracked by postconceptual (postmenstrual) age. By about 60 weeks postconceptual age, most infants have developed sufficient respiratory stability to regulate breathing consistently, so the risk of significant apnea markedly decreases. That’s why 60 weeks postconceptual age is the best guideline for when the heightened risk typically ends. (Postconceptual age = gestational age at birth plus time since birth.)

Premature infants have immature central respiratory control, which makes apnea of prematurity more likely until the brainstem and chemoreceptor systems mature. This maturation is tracked by postconceptual (postmenstrual) age. By about 60 weeks postconceptual age, most infants have developed sufficient respiratory stability to regulate breathing consistently, so the risk of significant apnea markedly decreases. That’s why 60 weeks postconceptual age is the best guideline for when the heightened risk typically ends. (Postconceptual age = gestational age at birth plus time since birth.)