[Theophylline in the treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders]

The methylxanthine derivates are known to have respiratory stimulant properties. Therefore theophylline is used in sleep related disturbances of breathing. Theophylline reduces central apneas and periodic breathing in infants. The efficiency of theophyllin is confirmed in reducing central apneas in patients with neurologic diseases or Cheyne Stokes breathing in patients with congestive heart failure. In patients with obstructive sleep apnoea the effect of theophylline is doubtful. An effect of therapy exists in some mild forms of sleep apnoea (apnoea index < 20/h total sleep time). Further studies are necessary to investigate the precise mechanism of of theophylline in obstructive sleep apnoea.