Early Versus Routine Caffeine Administration in Extremely Preterm Neonates
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2014-05-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Premature infants are at risk of having pauses in breathing, or apneas, due to their
immaturity. Premature infants are routinely given caffeine, a respiratory stimulant, on the
first day of life to prevent apneas. However, if they continue to have apneas, they may
require a breathing tube to be placed in the trachea. There are risks to having a breathing
tube, so it would be beneficial to avoid it if possible. If caffeine is given earlier, it may
decrease the need for a breathing tube. Some studies also suggest that caffeine may also
improve heart function which may prevent low blood pressure if given early.