What drug treats apnea of prematurity?
Caffeine is the preferred drug for treating apnea of prematurity. Caffeine is also the most acceptable prophylactic agent to facilitate successful extubation in preterm infants. Caffeine therapy may reduce the rate of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very low-birth-weight infants.
How does caffeine help apnea of prematurity?
Caffeine reduces the frequency of apnea, intermittent hypoxemia, facilitates extubation from mechanical ventilation, and reduces the incidence of bronchopulmonary and patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants.
How long does preemie apnea last?
These breathing abnormalities may begin after 2 days of life and last for up to 2 to 3 months after the birth. Smaller and more premature infants are more likely to have AOP.
When does apnea of prematurity go away?
Apnea of prematurity reflects immaturity of respiratory control. It generally resolves by 36 to 37 weeks’ PMA in infants born at ≥28 weeks’ gestation.
What is the methylxanthine of choice for AOP?
Of the methylxanthines, theophylline is the most extensively used. However, a review of the literature suggests that caffeine citrate may be the agent of choice for AOP.
How long is aminophylline given?
In the study group (A), 5 mg/kg aminophylline was initially administered as a loading dose. Then, every 8 hours, 1.5 mg/kg was given as maintenance dose for the next 10 days. In the control group (C), no aminophylline was used during the first ten days of life.
What benefit does caffeine citrate have over theophylline when treating premature infants for apnea of prematurity?
The drugs are equally effective in preventing apnea in the premature infant. Caffeine citrate has many advantages over theophylline, however, including once-a-day dosing, more predictable plasma concentrations, earlier onset of action, and minimal side effects.
Do babies grow out of apnea?
If a pause in breathing lasts less than 20 seconds and makes your baby’s heart beat more slowly (bradycardia) or if he turns pale or bluish (cyanotic), it can also be called apnea. Most infants outgrow this problem by the time they are a year old.
Why do premature babies have apnea?
In a premature baby, the part of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) that controls breathing is not yet mature enough for nonstop breathing. This causes large bursts of breath followed by periods of shallow breathing or stopped breathing. Apnea of prematurity usually ends on its own after a few weeks.
How common is apnea of prematurity?
Although not always apparent, apnea of prematurity is the most common problem in premature neonates. Approximately 70% of babies born before 34 weeks of gestation have clinically significant apnea, bradycardia, or O2 desaturation during their hospital stay.
