[The choice between theophylline and caffeine in the treatment of apnea in premature infants]

Abstract

In a double blind study, two comparable groups (each n = 10) of premature infants less than 34 weeks of gestational age, with idiopathic apnea were given an IV treatment of either theophylline or caffeine. The loading doses were respectively 6 and 10 mg/kg and the maintenance doses were 2 and 1.25 mg/kg every 12 hours. In both groups, apneas greater than or equal to 15 s. with or without bradycardia were similarly reduced (p less than 0.01). Both drugs increased significantly the respiratory rate. Compared to caffeine, theophylline induced a significant acceleration of heart rates, an increase in urinary sodium excretion, more frequent gastrointestinal intolerance and behavioral changes. Plasma concentrations of theophylline were less stable than those of caffeine. These data suggest that a single daily dose of caffeine should be preferentially used in the treatment of idiopathic apneas of prematurity.