Caffeine in the treatment of apnea associated with respiratory syncytial virus infection in neonates and infants.
BACKGROUND
The xanthines have been shown to be effective in the treatment of apnea of prematurity. Limited reports are available in the literature concerning the use of these agents with apnea related to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.


METHODS
A retrospective review was done to identify infants who received caffeine therapy for RSV-associated apnea. The number of apneic episodes during the 2 hours before the use of caffeine and the number of apneic episodes after the administration of caffeine were compared using a Wilcoxon nonparametric test.


RESULTS
The 7 infants ranged in age from 14 to 64 days and in weight from 2.8 to 4.4 kg. The number of apneic episodes per hour for the 2 to 3 hours before the administration of caffeine ranged from 7 to 12, and the number of episodes during the 3 hours after the administration of the first dose of caffeine ranged from 0 to 2. The apneic episodes after caffeine responded to external stimulation. Apnea recurred in 3 infants, 18 to 24 hours after the first dose of caffeine. These infants received a second dose of caffeine (5 mg/kg).


CONCLUSIONS
Caffeine should be considered in the treatment of apnea related to RSV infections in neonates and infants.
Tobias
J D
JD
Department of Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia 65212, USA.
D001049:Apnea / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D002110:Caffeine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003422:Critical Care; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D012008:Recurrence; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000150:complications*; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000821:virology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D002110:Caffeine