[Effect of aminophylline therapy in mature infants with sleep apnea syndrome]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Neonatal Medicine
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Idiopathic sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) in infants is a potential risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• Abnormalities in infant pneumograms, including prolonged apneas and periodic breathing, are key diagnostic indicators.
• Clinical symptoms associated with SAS include cyanosis, feeding difficulties, and gastro-esophageal reflux.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of oral aminophylline in treating idiopathic sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) in full-term infants.
• To assess the impact of aminophylline on pneumogram abnormalities and compare outcomes with untreated infants.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 33 infants with SAS treated with oral aminophylline and 12 age-matched controls.
• Oxycardiorespirography (OCRG) was used to monitor pneumograms and define abnormalities (apneas ≥ 15s, periodic breathing).
• Plasma aminophylline concentrations were measured, and pneumograms were assessed after 1 week, 6 weeks of treatment, and 1 week after discontinuation.

Main Results:

• After one week of aminophylline, 88% of infants showed normal pneumograms, with statistically significant reductions in all abnormalities.
• Infants without aminophylline treatment exhibited persistent pneumogram abnormalities.
• Following a 6-week treatment course and subsequent discontinuation, 83% of infants maintained normal pneumograms.

Conclusions:

• Oral aminophylline is effective in normalizing pneumogram abnormalities in infants with idiopathic SAS.
• The treatment demonstrates a significant positive impact on respiratory patterns during sleep.
• Aminophylline appears to be a viable therapeutic option for managing SAS in infants, with sustained benefits after discontinuation.