Intermittent hypoxia and respiratory patterns during sleep of preterm infants aged 3 to 18 months residing at high altitude.

Study Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of apneas on oxygen saturation and the presence of intermittent hypoxia, during sleep of preterm infants (PTIs) born at high altitudes and compare with full-term infants (FTIs) at the same altitude.

Methods: PTIs and FTIs from 3 to 18 months were included. They were divided into three age groups: 3-4 months (Group 1); 6-7 months (Group 2), and 10-18 months (Group 3).