Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

88.3K

Aminophylline-associated irritable behaviour in preterm neonates

Tomoki Maeda1, Masanori Inoue1, Kazuhito Sekiguchi1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Child Neurology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Oita, Japan.

Early Human Development
|July 9, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Aminophylline administration in preterm infants was linked to temporary irritable behavior but did not affect autonomic function. This study monitored general movements and autonomic parameters during the preterm period.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Preterm infants often experience behavioral and autonomic challenges.
  • Aminophylline is used to manage conditions like apnea in neonates.
  • Understanding aminophylline's impact on preterm infant development is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of aminophylline on behavior and autonomic function in preterm infants.
  • To assess changes in general movements (GM) optimality and autonomic parameters.
  • To compare outcomes at different gestational age periods.

Main Methods:

  • Study included preterm infants receiving aminophylline (Am+) and a control group (Am-).
  • Behavior assessed using general movement optimality (onset-offset, tremulous movements).
  • Autonomic function evaluated via heart rate and heart rate variability analysis.

Main Results:

  • The aminophylline group showed significantly lower optimality of tremulous movements at 32-33 weeks gestation.
  • No significant differences in autonomic parameters were observed between the groups.
  • No correlation found between GM optimality scores and serum theophylline concentration.

Conclusions:

  • Aminophylline administration is associated with transient irritable behavior in preterm infants.
  • No significant impact on autonomic function was detected during the preterm period.
  • Further research may explore long-term behavioral effects.
Abstract

Keywords:
AminophyllineBehaviourDevelopmental careGeneral movementsMethylxanthine

More Related Videos

Adaptation of Microelectrode Array Technology for the Study of Anesthesia-induced Neurotoxicity in the Intact Piglet Brain08:23

Adaptation of Microelectrode Array Technology for the Study of Anesthesia-induced Neurotoxicity in the Intact Piglet Brain

Published on: May 12, 2018

9.9K
Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol19:32

Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol

Published on: February 18, 2012

29.1K

Related Concept Videos

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
645
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses...
313
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics01:23

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla.  Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by...
1.5K
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...
360
Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines01:24

Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines

Theophylline, a member of the methylxanthine class of bronchodilators, has long been used in asthma management. While its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed to have multiple effects on various cellular processes.
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
2.0K
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists01:28

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists

Prokinetic agents are specialized medications that stimulate gastrointestinal (GI) motility, promoting food movement through the GI tract. Dopamine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, plays a significant role in this process, reducing GI motility and indirectly controlling the speed of digestion. Dopamine receptor antagonists, such as metoclopramide and domperidone, offer a unique advantage as prokinetic agents. By blocking the dopamine receptors, these drugs increase GI motility, improving food...
1.6K