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Recurrent apnea is common in preterm infants, particularly at very early gestational ages.
These episodes of loss of effective breathing can lead to hypoxemia and bradycardia which may be severe enough to require resuscitation including use of positive pressure ventilation. Experts in the field were also contacted. This small trial was of reasonable quality. This possible effect did not appear to be sustained after 48 hours and up to seven days after commencement of therapy. Only one infant, who was from the placebo group, was given intermittent positive airways pressure.