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Prevention of apnea and bradycardia in low-birthweight infants

D C Shannon, F Gotay, I M Stein

    Pediatrics
    |May 1, 1975
    PubMed

    Insights

    Theophylline effectively prevents severe apnea in low-birthweight infants. This treatment controlled prolonged apneic spells and reduced shorter ones, with no observed toxicity at therapeutic serum levels.

    Area of Science:

    • Neonatal Medicine
    • Pediatric Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Apnea is a significant concern in low-birthweight infants.
    • Accurate detection and quantification of apnea are crucial for effective treatment.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the efficacy of theophylline in preventing severe apnea in low-birthweight infants.
    • To correlate serum theophylline levels with apnea control.

    Main Methods:

    • Seventeen low-birthweight infants received oral theophylline every six hours.
    • Apnea was monitored using 13-hour pneumogram recordings.
    • Serum theophylline levels were measured and correlated with apneic episodes.

    Main Results:

    • Theophylline (1.5-4.0 mg/kg) achieved serum concentrations of 6.6-11.0 mug/ml.
    • Apneic spells exceeding 20 seconds were completely controlled.
    • Shorter apneic episodes (10-19 seconds) and associated bradycardia were significantly reduced.
    • No toxicity was observed at these therapeutic serum levels.

    Conclusions:

    • Theophylline is effective in managing apnea of prematurity.
    • Individualized dosing based on apnea quantitation and serum levels is recommended.
    • Theophylline offers a safe and effective therapeutic option for apneic infants.

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