The left ventricular functional parameter in M-mode echocardiography in various administration rates of a loading dose of theophylline in premature infants
Möller, J.C.; Rose, T.
Monatsschrift Kinderheilkunde Organ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kinderheilkunde 137(1): 33-36
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-9298 PMID: 2921992 Document Number: 331237
The aim of study was to show a positive effect of theophylline on the cardiac pump function immediately after i.v. bolus injection of the loading dose. Therefore we recorded m-mode echocardiograms before and immediately after bolus injection (over 2-3 min) of 6 mg/kg theophylline. On studying 12 preterm infants we observed a reduction of the left ventricular shortening fraction and circumferential shortening velocity. In the second part of the study we administered the same dose of theophylline over a period of 20 min. No significant differences in m-mode echocardiographic parameters before and after infusion were seen. We attribute these results to incalculable effects of theophylline preload, wall distension, and afterload. Nonetheless slow application of theophylline loading dose is recommended in preterm infants.