Caffeine treatment of preterm infants reduce BPD

[Stefan Johansson]

Check this out, from todays issue of NEJM! Clinical research at its best!
Caffeine Therapy for Apnea of Prematurity (http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/354/20/2112), Barbara Schmidt et al
Editorial comment (http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/354/20/2179) by Eduardo Bancalari

Caffeine as BPD treatment!? I think this finding was a bit surprising for the research group, given that authors stress the possibility of a potential harmful effect of xantines in the Intro of the paper. I think the (ongoing) follow-up studies will be of great interest, I hope they'll publish results soon.

[MILA BARAK]

Check this out, from todays issue of NEJM! Clinical research at its best!
Caffeine Therapy for Apnea of Prematurity (http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/354/20/2112), Barbara Schmidt et al
Editorial comment (http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/354/20/2179) by Eduardo Bancalari

Caffeine as BPD treatment!? I think this finding was a bit surprising for the research group, given that authors stress the possibility of a potential harmful effect of xantines in the Intro of the paper. I think the (ongoing) follow-up studies will be of great interest, I hope they'll publish results soon.

[MILA BARAK]

I am not surprised by the study's results, since methylxanthines (theophylline and caffeine) represent an old treatment mode for BPD, recognized since the 70-th and the 80-th and mentioned in every Textbook of Neonatology, the older and the newer editions. The improvement in the respiratory function was thought to be due to improvement in pulmonary mechanics together with a diuretic effect. Shortening the mechanical ventilation course and the use of supplemental oxygen might reduce the chances of developing BPD.

[Antares]

Also, administration of intramuscular Vitamin A has been proven to decrease BPD.