J. Chang et Ph. Gray, AMINOPHYLLINE THERAPY AND CEREBRAL BLOOD-FLOW VELOCITY IN PRETERM INFANTS, Journal of paediatrics and child health, 30(2), 1994, pp. 123-125
Pulsed Doppler ultrasound was used to evaluate the cerebral blood flow
velocity (CBFV), in the middle and anterior cerebral arteries in 10 i
nfants before and after the administration of aminophylline (7.5 mg/kg
). Mean CBFV, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen and carbon dioxide te
nsions were recorded before the loading dose, and then at 1, 2, 6 and
24h after completion of the infusion. Mean CBFV in the middle and ante
rior cerebral arteries were 16.8 cm/s and 10.8 cm/s respectively prior
to the infusion. There was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in velocit
ies in both arteries at 1 and 2 h post drug therapy, which returned to
base values by 6 h, and remained as such at 24 h. The heart rate incr
eased (P<0.05) after the infusion, while no consistent changes were ob
served in blood pressure or oxygen tension. Carbon dioxide levels were
significantly reduced (P<0.05) at 2 h. The reduction in CBFV, however
, was more than would be expected on the basis of the change in carbon
dioxide levels alone, suggesting that other factors may be exerting a
n influence. While no adverse effects were noted in the infants studie
d, it is suggested that aminophylline should be used judiciously in si
ck preterm infants at highest risk from ischaemic brain injury.