Caffeine for Persistent Intermittent Hypoxia in Newborns With and Without Chronic Lung Disease

To assess the caffeine response in preterm and term newborns with persistent intermittent hypoxia (IH) as they approach discharge, with particular focus on newborns with chronic lung disease of prematurity (CLD). To identify factors associated with a lack of response to caffeine.

Retrospective cohort study across two neonatal intensive care units between 2015 and 2022.

Normal oximetry; no need for respiratory support; resolution of hypercapnia.

A total of 132 infants received caffeine for persistent IH. Normal oximetry was achieved post-caffeine in 81% (46/57) of newborns with CLD, in 96% (46/48) of preterm with no CLD, in 96% (26/27) of term newborns. Caffeine reduced the % time with SpO₂ < 90% from 6.8% (interquartile range, 3.8%-12.2%), to 0.8% (0.4%-1.6%, p < 0.0001). The desaturation index < 80% dropped from 5.3 events/hour (0.9-14.6 events/hour) to 0.2 events/hour (0-0.78 events/hour, p < 0.0001) and the desaturation index ≥ 10% lasting > 10 s went from 6.6 events/hour (3.3-10.7 events/hour) to 1.4 events/hour (0.7-2.4 events/hour, p < 0.0001). Of the 61 infants on respiratory support, 74% (45/61) were weaned within a few days following caffeine. Caffeine normalized PCO₂ in 63% (41/65) of newborns with elevated PCO₂ pre-caffeine. Infants failing caffeine were more likely to have CLD compared to responders (79% vs. 39%, p < 0.005). Caffeine was successfully discontinued (first attempt, normal oximetry) in 101 infants (88%) at postmenstrual age of 46.1 weeks (45.3-48.3 weeks).

Caffeine improved respiratory outcomes in the majority of preterm and term born infants with persistent IH, including those with CLD.