Characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus-related apnoea in three infants

Apnoea is a common sign in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in young infants and can be the first presentation of an acquired RSV infection. We describe polysomnographic recordings of three infants revealing prolonged RSV-related apnoea before RSV infection was diagnosed. The apnoeas were of central origin. The caregivers had not noted any apparent life-threatening events (ALTE) prior to the polysomnography. Cardiorespiratory monitoring after the acute infection did not reveal any further apnoeas.
Conclusion : Central, prolonged apnoea can be the first sign of an acquired RSV infection in young infants in the absence of other respiratory symptoms and without any previous observation of apnoea by the caregivers.