Putative mechanisms of caffeine as a neuroprotectant in preterm infants

Madeline A MacNamara ¹, Paul B Colditz ^1,2, Julie A Wixey ³

⁰UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

Pediatric Research +

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January 16, 2026

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Caffeine may protect preterm infants

Area Of Science

Neonatal medicine
Neuroscience
Pharmacology

Background

Increasing survival rates of preterm infants highlight the need for research into long-term outcomes.
Caffeine is used to treat apnoea of prematurity, but its neuroprotective effects are less understood.
Previous studies suggest caffeine may improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.

Purpose Of The Study

To review the direct molecular mechanisms through which caffeine may act as a neuroprotectant in preterm infants.
To explore caffeine's potential to alter white matter structures, reduce inflammation, prevent cell death, and provide neuromodulatory benefits.
To consolidate evidence on caffeine's impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes in this population.

Main Methods

Literature review of putative mechanisms of caffeine's neuroprotection.
Analysis of indirect and direct molecular pathways.
Consolidation of evidence from clinical trials and observational studies.

Main Results

Caffeine may confer neuroprotection by modulating white matter development.
Potential for caffeine to reduce neuroinflammation and prevent neuronal cell death.
Evidence suggests caffeine's neuromodulatory effects contribute to improved neurodevelopment.

Conclusions

Caffeine exhibits multifaceted neuroprotective mechanisms relevant to preterm infants.
Further research into caffeine's direct molecular actions is warranted.
Caffeine represents a promising therapeutic agent for enhancing neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm populations.