Related Experiment Videos
Doxapram for the initial treatment of idiopathic apnea of prematurity
Insights
Doxapram effectively treated neonatal apnea in premature infants. A dose of 1 mg/kg/h significantly reduced apnea frequency and improved respiratory drive without side effects.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Neonatal apnea is a common concern in premature infants.
- Idiopathic apnea requires effective pharmacotherapy.
- Evaluating respiratory stimulants is crucial for neonatal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the ventilatory effects of doxapram in treating neonatal apnea.
- To determine optimal dosing for doxapram in premature infants.
- To evaluate doxapram's impact on respiratory drive and apnea frequency.
Main Methods:
- Study included 8 premature infants with idiopathic apnea.
- Doxapram administered at 0.25 mg/kg/h and 1 mg/kg/h over 48 hours.
- Ventilatory parameters and airway occlusion pressure (p0.1) measured via face mask and pneumotachograph.
Main Results:
- Significant decrease in central apnea frequency (48-75%) with both doses.
- Increased inspiratory drive (20-32%) observed with both doxapram doses.
- Higher dose (1 mg/kg/h) improved minute ventilation, tidal volume, and decreased PCO2.
Conclusions:
- Doxapram is effective in treating neonatal apnea.
- A dose of 1 mg/kg/h is effective and well-tolerated.
- Doxapram enhances respiratory drive and improves ventilation in premature infants.
Abstract:
The ventilatory effects of doxapram in the initial pharmacotherapy for apnea in the newborn were evaluated in 8 premature infants with idiopathic apnea. All received doxapram for 48 h at 0.25 mg/kg/h on the first day and 1 mg/kg/h on the second day. The ventilatory effects and the airway occlusion pressure (p0.1) were measured by means of a face mask, and a pneumotachograph. Compared to the pretreatment period, the mean of the frequency of central apnea greater than or equal to 15 s decreased significantly (p less than 0.01) by 48 and 75% during the first and second day, respectively. Both doses significantly increased inspiratory drive measured by airway occlusion pressure by 20% (p less than 0.05) and 32% (p less than 0.01) on the first and second day of drug treatment, respectively. Minute ventilation, tidal volume and mean respiratory flow significantly increased only with 1 mg/kg/h of doxapram, accompanied by a significant decrease in transcutaneous PCO2. No side effects were noted. Data suggested that doxapram alone at a dose of 1 mg/kg/h is effective for the treatment of neonatal apnea.