Modification of ventilatory reflexes: an efficient therapy for apneas of prematurity?

The treatment of apneas of prematurity mainly involves the use of drugs (methylxanthines, doxapram). Despite evidence of the efficacy, some adverse effects may occur raising the question of other therapies. This brief review analyses the usefulness of methods influencing the ventilatory reflexes: cutaneous and proprioceptive stimulation and nasal continuous positive airways pressure proposed previously.