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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
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A Swine Model of Neonatal Asphyxia
Published on: October 11, 2011
Carnitine supplementation for preterm infants with recurrent apnea
1Department of Pediatrics, McMaster Children's Hospital, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, L8S 3Z5, Ontario, Canada. manojk2@hotmail.com
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|October 21, 2004
Summary
Carnitine supplementation for apnea of prematurity is not supported by current evidence. No eligible trials were found, indicating a need for further research into its effectiveness in preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Intensive Care Medicine
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Apnea of prematurity is a common complication in preterm infants, frequently prolonging NICU stays.
- Preterm infants have an elevated risk of carnitine deficiency.
- Carnitine supplementation is explored for preventing and treating apnea in neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if carnitine treatment reduces apnea frequency, ventilation duration, and hospital stay in preterm infants with recurrent apnea.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature searches were conducted across multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL) and conference abstracts.
- Only randomized or quasi-randomized trials involving carnitine versus placebo/no treatment for apnea of prematurity were included.
- Outcomes assessed included apnea resolution, ventilation duration, and hospital stay duration.
Main Results:
- No eligible randomized or quasi-randomized trials were identified in the systematic search.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence is insufficient to support the use of carnitine for treating apnea of prematurity.
- Further rigorous studies are required to establish the clinical efficacy of carnitine supplementation in this population.
