[Effect of caffeine on the contractility of the fetal heart muscle]

The caffeine-induced changes in contractility of early human fetal hearts obtained from termination of pregnancy and surviving in nutrient solution was studied. Three concentrations of caffeine (0.01; 0.1 and 1 mMol/l) were applied. In the presence of caffeine there was a significant age- and concentration-dependent increase in the contractility of fetal hearts. On the basis of this positive inotropic and the previously observed tachycardiac effect of caffeine the authors call attention to the potential harmful effect of the drug on the fetal heart.