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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Non-invasive Optical Measurement of Cerebral Metabolism and Hemodynamics in Infants
Published on: March 14, 2013
Aminophylline therapy and cerebral blood flow velocity in preterm infants
1Department of Neonatology, Mater Mothers' Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Insights
Aminophylline administration significantly decreased cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) in infants. This reduction in CBFV was greater than expected from CO2 changes alone, warranting cautious use in preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Pharmacology
- Cerebrovascular dynamics
Background:
- Cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) is a critical indicator of brain perfusion in infants.
- Aminophylline is a medication sometimes used in neonatal care, but its effects on infant cerebral circulation require careful evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of aminophylline on cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) in preterm infants.
- To assess changes in CBFV in the middle and anterior cerebral arteries following aminophylline administration.
Main Methods:
- Pulsed Doppler ultrasound was employed to measure CBFV in 10 infants.
- Measurements were taken before and at several time points (1, 2, 6, 24 hours) after aminophylline infusion.
- Heart rate, blood pressure, and blood gas tensions (oxygen, carbon dioxide) were also monitored.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in CBFV was observed in both middle and anterior cerebral arteries at 1 and 2 hours post-aminophylline (P < 0.05).
- CBFV returned to baseline by 6 hours and remained stable at 24 hours.
- Heart rate increased significantly, while blood pressure and oxygen tension showed no consistent changes. Carbon dioxide levels decreased significantly at 2 hours.
Conclusions:
- Aminophylline administration leads to a transient reduction in infant CBFV, exceeding the expected effect from altered CO2 levels.
- While no adverse effects were noted, judicious use of aminophylline is recommended for preterm infants at risk of ischemic brain injury.
Abstract:
Pulsed Doppler ultrasound was used to evaluate the cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV), in the middle and anterior cerebral arteries in 10 infants before and after the administration of aminophylline (7.5 mg/kg). Mean CBFV, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions were recorded before the loading dose, and then at 1, 2, 6 and 24 h after completion of the infusion. Mean CBFV in the middle and anterior cerebral arteries were 16.8 cm/s and 10.8 cm/s respectively prior to the infusion. There was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in velocities in both arteries at 1 and 2h post drug therapy, which returned to base values by 6 h, and remained as such at 24 h. The heart rate increased (P < 0.05) after the infusion, while no consistent changes were observed in blood pressure or oxygen tension. Carbon dioxide levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) at 2 h. The reduction in CBFV, however, was more than would be expected on the basis of the change in carbon dioxide levels alone, suggesting that other factors may be exerting an influence. While no adverse effects were noted in the infants studied, it is suggested that aminophylline should be used judiciously in sick preterm infants at highest risk from ischaemic brain injury.
