Early Versus Routine Caffeine Administration in Extremely Preterm Neonates — EARLYCAFFEINE  

Caffeine Clinical Trial

Official title: Early Versus Routine Caffeine Administration in Extremely Preterm Neonates

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

Premature infants are at risk of having pauses in breathing, or apneas, due to their immaturity. Premature infants are routinely given caffeine, a respiratory stimulant, on the first day of life to prevent apneas. However, if they continue to have apneas, they may require a breathing tube to be placed in the trachea. There are risks to having a breathing tube, so it would be beneficial to avoid it if possible. If caffeine is given earlier, it may decrease the need for a breathing tube. Some studies also suggest that caffeine may also improve heart function which may prevent low blood pressure if given early.

Clinical Trial Description

This goal of this observational study is to compare the respiratory and acute hemodynamic effects of caffeine administered in the first 2 hours versus 12 hours of life in infants <29 weeks gestation. Our primary hypothesis is that caffeine administered in the first two hours of life can prevent the need for endotracheal intubation in the first 12 hours of life.. These evaluations are critical in determining both the safety and efficacy of early caffeine therapy. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Caffeine

• NCT number: NCT01783561
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Sharp HealthCare
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 4
• Start date: October 2013
• Completion date: May 2014