Comparison of Efficacy between Infants with Apnoea of Prematurity Treated with Caffeine versus Aminophylline

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Apnea of prematurity (AOP) is routinely treated with intravenous aminophylline. However, it manifests many adverse effects. Few recent studies claimed that intravenous caffeine was more efficacious than this conventional practice and have scanty side effects. To observe and compare efficacy of caffeine as compared to Aminophylline in our hospital setting, this study was planned.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy between infants with apnea of prematurity treated with caffeine versus aminophylline.

STUDY DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial.

PLACE: Research conducted in Department of Pediatrics, Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital Lahore.

DURATION: From February 2022 to August 2022.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study 60 neonates of both male and female genders included, which were delivered preterm and having apnea of prematurity. These neonates were divided into two groups randomly; with one group receiving intravenous caffeine while the other receiving intravenous aminophylline. Outcome variable was efficacy of treatment which was labeled if there was no episode of apnea for 24 hours after the treatment started.

RESULTS: There were 42 (70.0%) baby boys and 18 (30.0%) baby girls and a male to female ratio was 2.3:1. Mean number of apnea episodes in first 24 hours period was 6.15±2.61. Efficacy of treatment was higher significantly in neonates receiving caffeine as compared to conventional practice of aminophylline (86.7% as compared to 40.0%; p-value<0.001).

CONCLUSION: In the present study, intravenous caffeine was found more efficacious than intravenous aminophylline for the management of neonates with apnea of prematurity.