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Treatment of severe apnea in prematures with orally administered theophylline
Pediatrics
|May 1, 1975
Insights
Theophylline effectively reduced apnea in premature infants, decreasing episode frequency and severity. This treatment offered an alternative to mechanical ventilation, with a noted increase in heart rate as the primary side effect.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Apnea is a common respiratory issue in premature infants.
- Mechanical ventilation is a standard but invasive treatment for apnea.
- Theophylline is a potential alternative pharmacotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of theophylline in treating primary apnea in premature infants.
- To compare theophylline as an alternative to mechanical ventilation.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of twelve premature infants with primary apnea was treated with theophylline.
- Apneic episodes were monitored for number and severity before and after treatment.
Main Results:
- Theophylline significantly reduced the mean daily number of apneic episodes (P < .005).
- A significant reduction in the severity of apneic episodes was observed.
- Theophylline treatment led to a significant increase in heart rate.
Conclusions:
- Theophylline is an effective treatment for primary apnea in premature infants.
- Theophylline serves as a viable alternative to mechanical ventilation.
- Increased heart rate is a notable side effect of theophylline therapy in this population.
Abstract:
Twelve premature infants with primary apnea were treated with theophylline as an alternative to mechanical ventilation. There was a significant (P smaller than .005) reduction in the mean daily number and the severity of apneic episodes after treatment. The only significant side effect noted was a rise in heart rate.