Final answer:
Apnea of prematurity affects premature infants, leading to potentially dangerous pauses in breathing. Monitoring and treatment involve advanced techniques and supportive care to maintain the infant's respiratory function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Apnea of prematurity is a condition that primarily affects premature infants, wherein they experience pauses in breathing (>20 seconds). The use of infant apnea monitoring is an early warning system, utilizing the principles of electromagnetic induction to detect changes in the infant's breathing patterns. When a cessation of breath occurs, the induced current in a pickup coil changes, alerting the parents or caregivers. Treatment for sleep apnea in premature infants may include respiratory support through nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), mechanical ventilation, and administration of pulmonary surfactant, as well as supportive care like temperature regulation and nutritional support. These interventions are critical as prematurity can lead to a variety of health challenges including respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), where infants may struggle with lung development and function.