Summary
Aminophylline (theophylline-ethylenediamine) was administered to 27 premature newborns to prevent apneic spells. Of the 22 patients monitored for theophylline concentration, a therapeutic blood level was reached in 19 in 1–2 days, and 3 stayed below it. ‘Toxic’ blood levels (≥20 µg/ml) were reached in 3 cases, one of whom showed signs of toxicity. Theophylline treatment was not efficient in the prevention of apnea when a serious underlying disease was present. Theophylline blood half-life (mean : 27.0 h) and clearance (mean 12.9 ml/h/kg) confirmed the slow elimination pattern of the drug in the premature infant.
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Latini, R., Assael, B.M., Bonati, M. et al. Kinetics and efficacy of theophylline in the treatment of apnea in the premature newborn. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 13, 203–207 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00609983
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00609983