Unique Way of Peripheral Stimulation for Recurrent Apnea in a Preterm Neonate

Apnea of prematurity (AOP) is a common concern in premature infants. Routine clinical management of the obstructive subtype involves providing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation to prevent alveolar atelectasis and pharyngeal collapse, apart from prone positioning. In central apnea, methylxanthine therapy is mainstay of treatment as it stimulates the central nervous system and respiratory muscle function [1]. Peripheral tactile stimulation is the most common intervention for AOP as it helps in reducing apnea episodes. It works by generating excitatory, nonspecific neuronal activity in the brainstem to stimulate respiration [2]. Tactile stimulation has the potential to substantially reduce the frequency of apnea [3].