title: A randomized, controlled, double-blind trial comparing two loading doses of aminophylline.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare 8 mg/kg and 6 mg/kg loading doses of aminophylline.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-one preterm infants weighing <1500 g were enrolled once a decision to administer intravenous aminophylline was made. A standard maintenance dose was used. Serum levels of theophylline were drawn 8 hours after the loading dose and before the fifth maintenance dose.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After the initial loading dose, the 8 mg/kg group achieved recommended serum theophylline levels (7-12 microg/ml) more frequently than the 6 mg/kg group (39% vs 3%, p=0.002). Subsequent levels were similar between the groups. There were no increases in side effects with the higher loading dose.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  If a clinical decision to start intravenous aminophylline therapy in preterm infants has been made, the use of an 8 mg/kg loading dose appears to be a better and safe way to quickly achieve serum theophylline levels within the recommended range.
authors.affiliation: Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hochwald
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kennedy
authors.forename: Jocelin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Moya
mesh_terms: D000628:Aminophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D001049:Apnea / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D000628:Aminophylline