Effect of Early Use of Caffeine Citrate in Preterm Neonates

Caffeine citrate is one of the most widely used drugs in neonatal intensive care units. It is a respiratory stimulant which has well established therapeutic effects in apnea and facilitation of extubation. Caffeine is an adenosine antagonist ; it blocks selectively A2 receptors and non selective blocks A1 receptors. Its effects include improved lung compliance, minute ventilation, respiratory muscle contractility, increased sensitivity to carbon dioxide, enhanced catecholamine activity and decreased airway resistance

Early caffeine therapy was associated with a shorter duration of respiratory support and reduction in bronchopulmonary dysplasia , cerebral palsy, patent ductus arteriosis ligation, intracranial hemorrhage, apnea and death

Despite its widespread use, information regarding optimal time to initiate therapy and appropriate time to discontinue therapy is limited. Recent studies have indicated that early initiation of caffeine therapy is associated with improved neonatal outcomes

Little is known about the early use of caffeine citrate in preterm neonates. The investigators aim to explore the effectiveness of its very early use in reducing the duration of respiratory support.

Inclusion criteria

• Preterm neonates ≤ 33 weeks gestational age.
• Preterm neonates who need respiratory support (either nasal canula, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or mechanical ventilation).

Exclusion criteria

• Neonate>33 wks gestational age.
• Neonates on room air.
• Neonates with major congenital or cardiac anomalies