Recurrent Apnea Following Occipital Encephalocele Surgery in a Child -Responding to Caffeine Citrate

Apnea denotes temporary cessation of breathing. It is an ominous symptom in children beyond neonatal period. Central apnea results from a lack of respiratory effort due to either a cessation of output from the brainstem respiratory centers or the inability of the efferent nerves and respiratory muscles to receive or process the signals from the brain. This can be due to the immaturity of the system as seen in premature infants or secondary to different disease processes.
A 13-month-old girl child presented with frequent apneic spells following a major neurosurgical intervention for occipital encephalocele. Marked improvement was seen after the institution of caffeine citrate therapy resulting in complete resolution of apnea along with appreciable growth and development.
Recurrent apnea is a potential complication in infants following the repair of occipital encephalocele. Caffeine citrate may be effective in central apnea beyond the neonatal period especially in the treatment of apnea related to neurosurgical procedures.