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Half life of theophylline in the preterm baby with apnoeic attacks
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|March 1, 1979
Insights
Enzyme immunoassay accurately measured plasma theophylline levels in preterm infants. Oral theophylline showed a significantly prolonged half-life in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal pharmacology
- Clinical chemistry
- Pharmacokinetics
Background:
- Theophylline is a medication used in neonates for respiratory conditions.
- Accurate monitoring of theophylline levels is crucial for efficacy and safety.
- Limited data exists on theophylline pharmacokinetics in preterm infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an enzyme immunoassay for plasma theophylline measurement in preterm neonates.
- To determine the pharmacokinetic profile, specifically the half-life, of an oral theophylline preparation in preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- Plasma theophylline concentrations were determined using an enzyme immunoassay.
- The study included 6 preterm infants.
- Pharmacokinetic parameters, including half-life, were calculated.
Main Results:
- The enzyme immunoassay provided accurate and rapid results for plasma theophylline levels.
- A considerably prolonged half-life of the oral theophylline preparation was observed.
- The findings suggest altered drug metabolism or elimination in preterm neonates.
Conclusions:
- Enzyme immunoassay is a suitable method for therapeutic drug monitoring of theophylline in preterm infants.
- Preterm neonates exhibit a prolonged half-life for oral theophylline, necessitating careful dosing and monitoring.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the factors contributing to altered theophylline pharmacokinetics in this population.
Abstract:
Plasma theophylline levels were measured by an enzyme immunoassay method in 6 preterm babies. The method gave accurate and rapid results. The study showed a considerably prolonged half life of an oral preparation.
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