AMINOPHYLLINE VERSUS CAFFEINE CITRATE FOR APNEA AND BRADYCARDIA PROPHYLAXIS IN PREMATURE NEONATES

We investigated the efficacy and adverse effects of aminophylline and caffeine citrate in 180 premature neonates for 10 days and nights. Ami nophylline (n = 98) and caffeine citrate (n = 82) were equally effecti ve in preventing apnea and bradycardia. The caffeine citrate group had a lower median heart rate on day 3, fewer neonates with tachycardia a nd a smaller amount of gastric aspirate on day 7. The need for mononas al continuous positive airway pressure and respirator therapy was simi lar in both groups. We conclude that caffeine citrate is the drug of c hoice for apnea and bradycardia prophylaxis in premature neonates with a gestational age less than or equal to 33 full weeks.