Effect of single loading dose of intravenous caffeine infusion on superior mesenteric artery blood flow velocities in preterm infants.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of a single loading dose of caffeine base (10 mg/kg) on superior mesenteric artery (SMA) blood flow velocities (BFV).


METHODS
Eighteen preterm infants of gestational age <or=32 weeks gestation were investigated prospectively. SMA BFV before infusion, 1 h, 2 h and 6 h after a single loading dose of caffeine were measured using Doppler ultrasonography.


RESULTS
The peak systolic velocity in SMA decreased by 18% from baseline at 1 h after caffeine infusion and improved towards the baseline by 6 h after the infusion. The reduction in velocity after caffeine infusion was not statistically significant. No significant changes were observed in heart rate, blood pressure and incidence of necrotising enterocolitis.


CONCLUSIONS
A single 10 mg/kg intravenous loading dose of caffeine does not cause a significant reduction in SMA BFV and therefore does not place the preterm intestine at increased risk of ischemic injury.
Soraisham
Amuchou S
AS
Department of Paediatrics, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. amuchou.soraisham@calgaryhealthregion.ca
Elliott
Davis
D
Amin
Harish
H
D000416:Alberta; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000187:drug effects; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002110:Caffeine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D017538:Mesenteric Artery, Superior / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects*; D014463:Ultrasonography
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D002110:Caffeine