Aminophylline influences cerebral hyperperfusion after severe birth hypoxia

Doppler sonographic investigations have presented cerebral hyperperfusion in neonates after severe asphyxia. Neonates with disturbed cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) tend to have poor outcomes. The purpose of this clinical study was to examine the influence of aminophylline on cerebral hyperperfusion. An intravenous bolus of 4 mg/kg aminophylline was given to nine neonates with Doppler sonographic signs of cerebral hyperperfusion. CBFV was determined before, 5 min, 60 min and 120 min after aminophylline administration and on the following day. After aminophylline the mean systolic (56.5 vs. 41.6 cm/s) and end diastolic (21.0 vs. 12.3 cm/s) blood flow velocity decreased and the mean pulsatility index (0.83 vs. 1.1) increased significantly. Repeated measurements showed a decrease in blood flow velocities and an increase in pulsatility index on the following days. Heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure and pCO2 were not significantly changed. We conclude that aminophylline influences cerebral hyperperfusion in neonates with disturbed autoregulation.