A randomized, controlled, double-blind trial comparing two loading doses of aminophylline.
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.
Hochwald
Christine
C
Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
Kennedy
Kathleen
K
Chang
Jocelin
J
Moya
Fernando
F
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
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D000628:Aminophylline