[Sensory stimulations for the treatment of idiopathic apneas of prematurity].

Idiopathic apneas of prematurity remain an alarming problem in neonatology. Long-term effects on neurological development cannot be excluded. Two principal treatments are currently applied to prevent apneic attacks: analeptics (methylxanthines and doxapram) and continuous positive airway pressure.

[The olfactory sensitivity of the premature newborn].

This document reviews the main data relating to the structural and functional organisation of olfactory perception in the premature newborn. The chemoreceptive systems (main olfactory, trigeminal, vomeronasal and terminal systems) develop in different chronological orders but quite at very early stage during ontogeny. The premature newborn, despite being immature, has been shown to react to a wide variety of olfactory stimuli.

Olfactory stimulation prevents apnea in premature newborns.

Objective: Methylxanthines and doxapram are currently used to treat apnea of prematurity but are not fully effective and often present undesirable side effects. The present study examines whether exposure to an odor known to modulate the infant's respiratory rate could reduce the frequency of apneic spells.

Method: Fourteen preterm newborns born at 24 to 28 gestational weeks presenting recurrent apnea despite caffeine and doxapram therapy were exposed to a pleasant odor diffused during 24 hours in the incubator.

[Secondary surfactant deficiencies in extremely low birth weight premature infants].

Primary deficiency of surfactant is responsible for the respiratory distress syndrome and concerns premature neonates born before 33 weeks of gestation. However, newborns may develop respiratory disorders related to a secondary deficiency or dysfunction of surfactant. We report the course of three extremely low birth weight premature infants who experienced clinical respiratory decompensation at two weeks and showed a marked improvement after exogenous natural surfactant administration.

Intramural bronchogenic cyst in the carina observed in a neonate and treated by needle aspiration: a case report.

We report the first case to be observed in a neonate of an intramural bronchogenic cyst in the carina. Considering the age of the infant, it was decided to administer curative treatment by needle aspiration. A rigid bronchoscopy was used.