Apnea of Prematurity By Arcangela Lattari Balest, MD, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine Reviewed / Revised Jul 2021 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Pathophysiology Diagnosis Prognosis Treatment Prevention Key Points Apnea of prematurity is defined as respiratory pauses > 20 seconds or pauses < 20 seconds that are associated with bradycardia (< 100 beats / minute; 1), central cyanosis, and / or oxygen saturation < 85% in neonates born at < 37 weeks gestation and with no underlying disorders causing apnea.