Evaluation of a home apnea monitoring program.

From July 1978 to November 1981, 251 infants were studied for apnea at Children's Orthopedic Hospital and Medical Center. Idiopathic apnea was diagnosed in 45% of the infants referred. Infants who had histories of severe episodes tended to have more severe epidoses on follow-up and required a longer monitoring period. Age at onset of apneic episodes was related directly o length of monitoring period. Prematurity was not found to correlate with age at onset or severity. Developmental problems evident in some infants will require long-term follow-up.