Mechanism Underlying Accelerated Arterial Oxygen Desaturation during Recurrent Apnea

Abstract

Rapid depletion of alveolar O(2) stores by surges in O(2) uptake almost completely explains the acceleration of desaturation that occurs during recurrent apnea. This powerful mechanism is likely to explain the severity of intermittent hypoxemia that is associated with neurocognitive and cardiovascular morbidities in preterm infants and adults.