Aminophylline therapy for idiopathic apnea in premature infants: effects on lung function
Gerhardt, T.; McCarthy, J.; Bancalari, E.
Pediatrics 62(5): 801-804
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-4005 PMID: 724323 Document Number: 128304
The effect of aminophylline on lung function was studied in 14 premature infants with apnea (gestational age, 30.2 wk; birth wt, 1052 g). The infants showed compromised pulmonary function with a large difference in alveolar-arterial PO2 gradient (83.9 mm Hg), a low normal lung compliance of 1.1 ml/cm H2O .cntdot. kg, and a normal inspiratory resistance of 45.3 cm H2O/liter per s. Aminophylline therapy did not change these functions significantly, but it decreased the incidence of apneic episodes from 29.7-4.4/day. The effectiveness of aminophylline in treating apnea in premature infants must be related to its central stimulating effect and not to an improvement in lung function and oxygenation.