Abstract Mkid 88

Apnoea and periodic breathing are common problems in premature babies, the mechanisms are still unclear. But it is well-known that anaemia plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of these disorders. The borders between tolerable hemoglobin-hematocrit reduction in infants and pathological anaemia, which may endanger undisturbed growth in infants, are blurred. Therefore the attempt to observe breathing and circulation in cases of anaemia through the use of a polysomnography is recommended. Irregularities should be remedied after balancing the anaemia. Examinations of 12 infants with anaemia in a sleep research laboratory were compared both before and after transfusion of erythrocytes. While sleep patterns showed no significant changes, certain breathing and circulatory parameters such as the incidence of central apnoea, mean heart rate or mean breathing showed significant drops. A complete polysomnography may be helpful in determining whether a blood transfusion should be undertaken or not.