Apnea after immunization of preterm infants

P. J. Sanchez, A. R. Laptook, L. Fisher, J. Sumner, R. C. Risser, J. M. Perlman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

65 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of adverse reactions, particularly the occurrence of apnea, among preterm infants after immunization with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and whole cell pertussis vaccine adsorbed (DTP) and Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate (HibC) vaccine in the neonatal intensive care unit. Study design: After the occurrence of apnea in two preterm infants following immunization with DTP and HibC, a prospective surveillance of 97 preterm infants younger than 37 weeks of gestation who were immunized with DTP (94 also received HibC at the same time) in the neonatal intensive care unit was performed to assess the frequency of adverse reactions and in particular, the occurrence of apnea. For each infant, data were recorded for a 3-day period before and after receipt of the immunization. Results: The majority of preterm infants tolerated immunizations with DTP and HibC without ill effects. However, 12 (12%) infants experienced a recurrence of apnea, and 11 (11%) had at least a 50% increase in the number of apneic and bradycardic episodes in the 72 hours after immunization. This occurred primarily among smaller preterm infants who were immunized at a lower weight (p = 0.01), had experienced more severe apnea of prematurity (p = 0.01), and had chronic lung disease (p = 0.03). Conclusion: The temporal association observed between immunization of preterm infants and a transient increase or recurrence of apnea after vaccination merits further study. Cardiorespiratory monitoring of these infants after immunization may be advisable.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)746-751
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Pediatrics
Volume130
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1997

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Apnea after immunization of preterm infants'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this