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Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Caffeine intoxication in a premature neonate
E Ergenekon1, N Dalgiç, E Aksoy
1Gazi University, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. ebruergenekon@ttnet.net.tr
Abstract:
Caffeine, which has a wide range between therapeutic and toxic levels, is a widely used medication for prevention and treatment of apnoea of prematurity. Despite its safety, caffeine overdose and intoxication has been previously reported in the literature. We present a 30-day-old 28-week preterm newborn who was exposed to 300 mg.kg-1 caffeine base by mouth accidentally. The patient exhibited agitations, irritability, tachycardia, tachypnoea, diuresis, electrolyte abnormalities, hyperglycaemia and metabolic acidosis, for which he received supportive treatment. No seizure activity was observed. The effects of intoxication lasted for 96 h and then completely resolved.
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