Abstract
Immature respiratory control and developmentally impaired lung structure and function often manifest as periods of cardiorespiratory instability infants born prematurely. During early postnatal life, apneic events are ubiquitous, can vary widely in duration, and are often accompanied by bradycardia and/or intermittent hypoxemia. An increased frequency of intermittent hypoxemia has been associated with a range of poor neural outcomes including language and cognitive delays, motor impairment, retinopathy of prematurity, and impaired control of breathing. Multiple accepted and controversial treatments are available to reduce apnea and intermittent hypoxemia with some therapies increasing risk for cardiopulmonary morbidity. Caffeine is currently the most promising therapeutic strategy improving respiratory control and enhancing antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. Innovative newer approaches to stabilize respiratory control and improve lung function may hold promise as future interventions.