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Tréluyer L, Zana-Taieb E, Jarreau PH, Benhammou V, Kuhn P, Letouzey M, Marchand-Martin L, Onland W, Pierrat V, Saade L, Ancel PY, Torchin H. Doxapram for apnoea of prematurity and neurodevelopmental outcomes at age 5-6 years. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2024:fetalneonatal-2023-326170. [PMID: 38228381 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-326170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the long-term neurodevelopmental impact of doxapram for treating apnoea of prematurity. DESIGN Secondary analysis of the French national cohort study EPIPAGE-2. Recruitment took place in 2011. A standardised neurodevelopmental assessment was performed at age 5-6 years. A 2:1 propensity score matching was used to control for the non-randomised assignment of doxapram treatment. SETTING Population-based cohort study. PATIENTS All children born before 32 weeks' gestation alive at age 5-6 years. INTERVENTIONS Blind and standardised assessment by trained neuropsychologists and paediatricians at age 5-6 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Neurodevelopmental outcomes at age 5-6 years assessed by trained paediatricians and neuropsychologists: cerebral palsy, developmental coordination disorders, IQ and behavioural difficulties. A composite criterion for overall neurodevelopmental disabilities was built. RESULTS The population consisted of 2950 children; 275 (8.6%) received doxapram. Median (IQR) gestational age was 29.4 (27.6-30.9) weeks. At age 5-6 years, complete neurodevelopmental assessment was available for 60.3% (1780 of 2950) of children and partial assessment for 10.6% (314 of 2950). In the initial sample, children receiving doxapram had evidence of greater clinical severity than those not treated. Doxapram treatment was associated with overall neurodevelopmental disabilities of any severity (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.92, p=0.02). Eight hundred and twenty-one children were included in the 2:1 matched sample. In this sample, perinatal characteristics of both groups were similar and doxapram treatment was not associated with overall neurodevelopmental disabilities (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.57, p=0.63). CONCLUSIONS In children born before 32 weeks' gestation, doxapram treatment for apnoea of prematurity was not associated with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic Tréluyer
- Sorbonne Paris-Nord, Inserm, INRAE, CRESS, Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, EPOPé, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Neonatal Medicine of Port-Royal, Cochin Hospital, FHU PREMA, AP-HP Centre-Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Elodie Zana-Taieb
- Department of Neonatal Medicine of Port-Royal, Cochin Hospital, FHU PREMA, AP-HP Centre-Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm U955, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Henri Jarreau
- Sorbonne Paris-Nord, Inserm, INRAE, CRESS, Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, EPOPé, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Neonatal Medicine of Port-Royal, Cochin Hospital, FHU PREMA, AP-HP Centre-Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Benhammou
- Sorbonne Paris-Nord, Inserm, INRAE, CRESS, Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, EPOPé, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Kuhn
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mathilde Letouzey
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, Poissy Saint-Germain Hospital, Poissy, France
| | - Laetitia Marchand-Martin
- Sorbonne Paris-Nord, Inserm, INRAE, CRESS, Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, EPOPé, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Wes Onland
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Véronique Pierrat
- Sorbonne Paris-Nord, Inserm, INRAE, CRESS, Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, EPOPé, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Neonatology, CHI Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Lauren Saade
- Department of Neonatal Medicine of Port-Royal, Cochin Hospital, FHU PREMA, AP-HP Centre-Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Yves Ancel
- Sorbonne Paris-Nord, Inserm, INRAE, CRESS, Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, EPOPé, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Clinical Research Unit, Center for Clinical Investigation P1419, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Héloïse Torchin
- Sorbonne Paris-Nord, Inserm, INRAE, CRESS, Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, EPOPé, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Neonatal Medicine of Port-Royal, Cochin Hospital, FHU PREMA, AP-HP Centre-Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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Evans S, Avdic E, Pessano S, Fiander M, Soll R, Bruschettini M. Doxapram for the prevention and treatment of apnea in preterm infants. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 10:CD014145. [PMID: 37877431 PMCID: PMC10598592 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd014145.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apnea of prematurity is a common problem in preterm infants that may have significant consequences on their development. Methylxanthines (aminophylline, theophylline, and caffeine) are effective in the treatment of apnea of prematurity. Doxapram is used as a respiratory stimulant in cases refractory to the methylxanthine treatment. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the benefits and harms of doxapram administration on the incidence of apnea and other short-term and longer-term clinical outcomes in preterm infants. SEARCH METHODS We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was March 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the role of doxapram in prevention and treatment of apnea of prematurity and prevention of reintubation in preterm infants (less than 37 weeks' gestation). We included studies comparing doxapram with either placebo or methylxanthines as a control group, or when doxapram was used as an adjunct to methylxanthines and compared to methylxanthines alone as a control group. We included studies of doxapram at any dose and route. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were clinical apnea, need for positive pressure ventilation after initiation of treatment, failed apnea reduction after two to seven days, and failed extubation (defined as unable to wean from invasive intermittent positive pressure ventilation [IPPV] and extubate or reintubation for IPPV within one week). We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS We included eight RCTs enrolling 248 infants. Seven studies (214 participants) provided data for meta-analysis. Five studied doxapram for treatment of apnea in preterm infants. Three studied doxapram to prevent reintubation in preterm infants. None studied doxapram in preventing apnea in preterm infants. All studies administered doxapram intravenously as continuous infusions. Two studies used doxapram as an adjunct to aminophylline compared to aminophylline alone and one study as an adjunct to caffeine compared to caffeine alone. When used to treat apnea, compared to no treatment, doxapram may result in a slight reduction in failed apnea reduction (risk ratio [RR] 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20 to 1.05; 1 study, 21 participants; low-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of doxapram on need for positive pressure ventilation after initiation of treatment (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.01 to 6.74; 1 study, 21 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Doxapram may result in little to no difference in side effects causing cessation of therapy (0 events in both groups; risk difference [RD] 0.00, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.17; 1 study, 21 participants; low-certainty evidence). Compared to alternative treatment, the evidence is very uncertain about the effect of doxapram on failed apnea reduction (RR 1.35, 95% CI 0.53 to 3.45; 4 studies, 84 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of doxapram on need for positive pressure ventilation after initiation of treatment (RR 2.40, 95% CI 0.11 to 51.32; 2 studies, 37 participants; very-low certainty evidence; note 1 study recorded 0 events in both groups. Thus, the RR and CIs were calculated from 1 study rather than 2). Doxapram may result in little to no difference in side effects causing cessation of therapy (0 events in all groups; RD 0.00, 95% CI -0.15 to 0.15; 37 participants; 2 studies; low-certainty evidence). As adjunct therapy to methylxanthine, the evidence is very uncertain about the effect of doxapram on failed apnea reduction after two to seven days (RR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.17; 1 study, 10 participants; very low-certainty evidence). No studies reported on clinical apnea, chronic lung disease at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA), death at any time during initial hospitalization, long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in the three comparisons, and need for positive pressure ventilation and side effects when used as adjunct therapy to methylxanthine. In studies to prevent reintubation, when compared to alternative treatment, the evidence is very uncertain about the effect of doxapram on failed extubation (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.10 to 1.83; 1 study, 25 participants; very low-certainty evidence). As adjunct therapy to methylxanthine, doxapram may result in a slight reduction in 'clinical apnea' after initiation of treatment (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.98; 1 study, 56 participants; low-certainty evidence). Doxapram may result in little to no difference in failed extubation (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.62; 1 study, 56 participants; low-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of doxapram on side effects causing cessation of therapy (RR 6.42, 95% CI 0.80 to 51.26; 2 studies, 85 participants; very low-certainty evidence). No studies reported need for positive pressure ventilation, chronic lung disease at 36 weeks' PMA, long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in the three comparisons; failed extubation when compared to no treatment; and clinical apnea, death at any time during initial hospitalization, and side effects when compared to no treatment or alternative treatment. We identified two ongoing studies, one conducted in Germany and one in multiple centers in the Netherlands and Belgium. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In treating apnea of prematurity, doxapram may slightly reduce failure in apnea reduction when compared to no treatment and there may be little to no difference in side effects against both no treatment and alternative treatment. The evidence is very uncertain about the need for positive pressure ventilation when compared to no treatment or alternative treatment and about failed apnea reduction when used as alternative or adjunct therapy to methylxanthine. For use to prevent reintubation, doxapram may reduce apnea episodes when administered in adjunct to methylxanthine, but with little to no difference in failed extubation. The evidence is very uncertain about doxapram's effect on death when used as adjunct therapy to methylxanthine and about failed extubation when used as alternative or adjunct therapy to methylxanthine. There is a knowledge gap about the use of doxapram as a therapy to prevent apnea. More studies are needed to clarify the role of doxapram in the treatment of apnea of prematurity, addressing concerns about long-term outcomes. The ongoing studies may provide useful data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Evans
- Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Norton Children's Neonatology, affiliated with the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | | | - Sara Pessano
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department Mother and Child, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Roger Soll
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Matteo Bruschettini
- Paediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Cochrane Sweden, Department of Research and Education, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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Poppe JA, Flint RB, Smits A, Willemsen SP, Storm KK, Nuytemans DH, Onland W, Poley MJ, de Boode WP, Carkeek K, Cassart V, Cornette L, Dijk PH, Hemels MAC, Hermans I, Hütten MC, Kelen D, de Kort EHM, Kroon AA, Lefevere J, Plaskie K, Stewart B, Voeten M, van Weissenbruch MM, Williams O, Zonnenberg IA, Lacaze-Masmonteil T, Pas ABT, Reiss IKM, van Kaam AH, Allegaert K, Hutten GJ, Simons SHP. Doxapram versus placebo in preterm newborns: a study protocol for an international double blinded multicentre randomized controlled trial (DOXA-trial). Trials 2023; 24:656. [PMID: 37817255 PMCID: PMC10566117 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07683-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apnoea of prematurity (AOP) is one of the most common diagnoses among preterm infants. AOP often leads to hypoxemia and bradycardia which are associated with an increased risk of death or disability. In addition to caffeine therapy and non-invasive respiratory support, doxapram might be used to reduce hypoxemic episodes and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation in preterm infants, thereby possibly improving their long-term outcome. However, high-quality trials on doxapram are lacking. The DOXA-trial therefore aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of doxapram compared to placebo in reducing the composite outcome of death or severe disability at 18 to 24 months corrected age. METHODS The DOXA-trial is a double blinded, multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted in the Netherlands, Belgium and Canada. A total of 396 preterm infants with a gestational age below 29 weeks, suffering from AOP unresponsive to non-invasive respiratory support and caffeine will be randomized to receive doxapram therapy or placebo. The primary outcome is death or severe disability, defined as cognitive delay, cerebral palsy, severe hearing loss, or bilateral blindness, at 18-24 months corrected age. Secondary outcomes are short-term neonatal morbidity, including duration of mechanical ventilation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and necrotising enterocolitis, hospital mortality, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics and cost-effectiveness. Analysis will be on an intention-to-treat principle. DISCUSSION Doxapram has the potential to improve neonatal outcomes by improving respiration, but the safety concerns need to be weighed against the potential risks of invasive mechanical ventilation. It is unknown if the use of doxapram improves the long-term outcome. This forms the clinical equipoise of the current trial. This international, multicentre trial will provide the needed high-quality evidence on the efficacy and safety of doxapram in the treatment of AOP in preterm infants. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04430790 and EUDRACT 2019-003666-41. Prospectively registered on respectively June and January 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarinda A Poppe
- Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus University Medical Center Sophia Children's Hospital, Room Sk-4113, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robert B Flint
- Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus University Medical Center Sophia Children's Hospital, Room Sk-4113, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anne Smits
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sten P Willemsen
- Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kelly K Storm
- Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus University Medical Center Sophia Children's Hospital, Room Sk-4113, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Debbie H Nuytemans
- Department of Neonatology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wes Onland
- Department of Neonatology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marten J Poley
- Department of Paediatric Surgery and Intensive Care, Erasmus University Medical Center Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Institute for Medical Technology Assessment (iMTA), Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Willem P de Boode
- Department of Neonatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Katherine Carkeek
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vincent Cassart
- Department of Neonatology, Grand hôpital de Charleroi, Charleroi, Belgium
| | - Luc Cornette
- Department Neonatology, AZ St-Jan, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Peter H Dijk
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Isabelle Hermans
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthias C Hütten
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Dorottya Kelen
- Neonatal Department, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen H M de Kort
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, the Netherlands
| | - André A Kroon
- Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus University Medical Center Sophia Children's Hospital, Room Sk-4113, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Julie Lefevere
- Neonatology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katleen Plaskie
- Department of Neonatology, GasthuisZusters Antwerpen, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Breanne Stewart
- Quality Management in Clinical Research (QMCR), University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Michiel Voeten
- Department of Neonatal Intensive Care, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Mirjam M van Weissenbruch
- Department of Neonatology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Olivia Williams
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, CHIREC-Delta Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Inge A Zonnenberg
- Department of Neonatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Thierry Lacaze-Masmonteil
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Maternal Infant Child & Youth Research Network (MICYRN), Vancouver, Canada
| | - Arjan B Te Pas
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Irwin K M Reiss
- Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus University Medical Center Sophia Children's Hospital, Room Sk-4113, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anton H van Kaam
- Department of Neonatology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Karel Allegaert
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - G Jeroen Hutten
- Department of Neonatology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sinno H P Simons
- Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus University Medical Center Sophia Children's Hospital, Room Sk-4113, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Kruszynski S, Stanaitis K, Brandes J, Poets CF, Koch H. Doxapram stimulates respiratory activity through distinct activation of neurons in the nucleus hypoglossus and the pre-Bötzinger complex. J Neurophysiol 2019; 121:1102-1110. [DOI: 10.1152/jn.00304.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Doxapram is a respiratory stimulant used for decades as a treatment option in apnea of prematurity refractory to methylxanthine treatment. Its mode of action, however, is still poorly understood. We investigated direct effects of doxapram on the pre-Bötzinger complex (PreBötC) and on a downstream motor output system, the hypoglossal nucleus (XII), in the transverse brainstem slice preparation. While doxapram has only a modest stimulatory effect on frequency of activity generated within the PreBötC, a much more robust increase in the amplitude of population activity in the subsequent motor output generated in the XII was observed. In whole cell patch-clamp recordings of PreBötC and XII neurons, we confirmed significantly increased firing of evoked action potentials in XII neurons in the presence of doxapram, while PreBötC neurons showed no significant alteration in firing properties. Interestingly, the amplitude of activity in the motor output was not increased in the presence of doxapram compared with control conditions during hypoxia. We conclude that part of the stimulatory effects of doxapram is caused by direct input on brainstem centers with differential effects on the rhythm generating kernel (PreBötC) and the downstream motor output (XII). NEW & NOTEWORTHY The clinically used respiratory stimulant doxapram has distinct effects on the rhythm generating kernel (pre-Bötzinger complex) and motor output centers (nucleus hypoglossus). These effects are obliterated during hypoxia and are mediated by distinct changes in the intrinsic properties of neurons of the nucleus hypoglossus and synaptic transmission received by pre-Bötzinger complex neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Kruszynski
- Department of Neonatology, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kornelijus Stanaitis
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Janine Brandes
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian F. Poets
- Department of Neonatology, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Henner Koch
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Flint R, Halbmeijer N, Meesters N, van Rosmalen J, Reiss I, van Dijk M, Simons S. Retrospective study shows that doxapram therapy avoided the need for endotracheal intubation in most premature neonates. Acta Paediatr 2017; 106:733-739. [PMID: 28130789 DOI: 10.1111/apa.13761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
AIM Using doxapram to treat neonates with apnoea of prematurity might avoid the need for endotracheal intubation and invasive ventilation. We studied whether doxapram prevented the need for intubation and identified the predictors of the success. METHODS This was a retrospective study of preterm infants born from January 2006 to August 2014 who received oral or intravenous doxapram. Success was defined as no need for endotracheal intubation, due to apnoea, during doxapram therapy. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses identified predictors of success during the first 48 hours of doxapram therapy. RESULTS Data on 203 patients with a median gestational age of 26.1 (interquartile range 25.1-27.4) weeks were analysed. During the first 48 hours of doxapram therapy, 157 (77%) patients did not need endotracheal intubation and 127 (63%) patients were successfully treated over the entire treatment course. The median postnatal age at the start of doxapram therapy was 20 days (interquartile range 12-30). Postnatal age and a lower fraction of inspired oxygen at the start of doxapram therapy were significant predictors of success (odds ratio 0.964, 95% confidence interval 0.938-0.991, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION Oral and intravenous doxapram effectively treated most cases of apnoea in preterm infants, avoiding the need for intubation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Flint
- Division of Neonatology; Department of Paediatrics; Erasmus University Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital; Rotterdam The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacy; Radboudumc; Nijmegen The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacy; Erasmus University Medical Centre; Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Nienke Halbmeijer
- Division of Neonatology; Department of Paediatrics; Erasmus University Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital; Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Naomi Meesters
- Division of Neonatology; Department of Paediatrics; Erasmus University Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital; Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Joost van Rosmalen
- Department of Biostatistics; Erasmus University Medical Centre; Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Irwin Reiss
- Division of Neonatology; Department of Paediatrics; Erasmus University Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital; Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Monique van Dijk
- Division of Neonatology; Department of Paediatrics; Erasmus University Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital; Rotterdam The Netherlands
- Department of Paediatric Surgery; Erasmus University Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital; Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Sinno Simons
- Division of Neonatology; Department of Paediatrics; Erasmus University Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital; Rotterdam The Netherlands
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Vliegenthart RJS, Ten Hove CH, Onland W, van Kaam AHLC. Doxapram Treatment for Apnea of Prematurity: A Systematic Review. Neonatology 2017; 111:162-171. [PMID: 27760427 PMCID: PMC5296887 DOI: 10.1159/000448941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apnea of prematurity (AOP) is a common complication of preterm birth, for which caffeine is the first treatment of choice. In case of persistent AOP, doxapram has been advocated as an additional therapy. OBJECTIVE To identify and appraise all existing evidence regarding efficacy and safety of doxapram use for AOP in infants born before 34 weeks of gestational age. METHODS All studies reporting on doxapram use for AOP were identified by searching electronic databases, references from relevant studies, and abstracts from the Societies for Pediatric Research. Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility and quality, and extracted data on study design, patient characteristics, efficacy and safety outcomes. RESULTS The randomized controlled trials showed less apnea during doxapram treatment when compared to placebo, but no difference in treatment effect when compared to theophylline. No serious adverse effects were reported. We identified 28 observational studies consisting mainly of cohort studies and case series (n = 1,994). There was considerable heterogeneity in study design and quality. Most studies reported a positive effect of doxapram on apnea rate. A few studies reported on long-term outcomes with conflicting results. A range of possible doxapram-related short-term adverse effects were reported, sometimes associated with the use of higher doses. CONCLUSION Based on the limited number of studies and level of evidence, no firm conclusions on the efficacy and safety of doxapram in preterm infants can be drawn. For this reason, routine use cannot be recommended. A large multicenter randomized controlled trial is urgently needed to provide more conclusive evidence.
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Cardiorespiratory events in preterm infants: interventions and consequences. J Perinatol 2016; 36:251-8. [PMID: 26583943 DOI: 10.1038/jp.2015.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Stabilization of respiration and oxygenation continues to be one of the main challenges in clinical care of the neonate. Despite aggressive respiratory support including mechanical ventilation, continuous positive airway pressure, oxygen and caffeine therapy to reduce apnea and accompanying intermittent hypoxemia, the incidence of intermittent hypoxemia events continues to increase during the first few months of life. Even with improvements in clinical care, standards for oxygen saturation targeting and modes of respiratory support have yet to be identified in this vulnerable infant cohort. In addition, we are only beginning to explore the association between the incidence and pattern of cardiorespiratory events during early postnatal life and both short- and long-term morbidity including retinopathy of prematurity, growth, sleep-disordered breathing and neurodevelopmental impairment. Part 1 of this review included a summary of lung development and diagnostic methods of cardiorespiratory monitoring. In Part 2 we focus on clinical interventions and the short- and long-term consequences of cardiorespiratory events in preterm infants.
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Ten Hove CH, Vliegenthart RJ, Te Pas AB, Brouwer E, Rijken M, van Wassenaer-Leemhuis AG, van Kaam AH, Onland W. Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcome after Doxapram for Apnea of Prematurity. Neonatology 2016; 110:21-6. [PMID: 26967910 DOI: 10.1159/000444006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Doxapram has been advocated as a treatment for persistent apnea of prematurity (AOP). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of doxapram on long-term neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants as its safety still needs to be established. METHODS From a retrospective cohort of preterm infants with a gestational age (GA) <30 weeks and/or a birth weight <1,250 g, born between 2000 and 2010, infants treated with doxapram (n = 142) and a nontreated control group were selected (n = 284). Patient characteristics and clinical and neurodevelopmental outcome data at 24 months' corrected age were collected. Neurodevelopmental delay (ND) was defined as having a Mental or Psychomotor Developmental Index (MDI/PDI) <-1 standard deviation (SD), cerebral palsy, or a hearing or visual impairment. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated using multiple logistic regression analyses adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS Infants treated with doxapram had a lower GA compared to controls. The number of infants with a MDI or PDI <-1 SD was not different between the groups. The risk of the combined outcome death or ND was significantly lower in the doxapram group after adjusting for confounding factors (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.78). Doxapram-treated infants had a higher risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and patent ductus arteriosus, but a lower risk of spontaneous intestinal perforation. All other morbidities were not different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that doxapram is not associated with an increased risk of ND. These findings need to be confirmed or refuted by a large, well-designed, placebo-controlled randomized trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine H Ten Hove
- Department of Neonatology, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Park HW, Lim G, Chung SH, Chung S, Kim KS, Kim SN. Early Caffeine Use in Very Low Birth Weight Infants and Neonatal Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Korean Med Sci 2015; 30:1828-35. [PMID: 26713059 PMCID: PMC4689828 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2015.30.12.1828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of caffeine citrate for treatment of apnea in very low birth weight infants showed short-term and long-term benefits. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was undertaken to document the effect providing caffeine early (0-2 days of life) compared to providing caffeine late (≥3 days of life) in very low birth weight infants on several neonatal outcomes, including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). We searched MEDLINE, the EMBASE database, the Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed for this meta-analysis. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Jadad's scale. Studies were included if they examined the effect of the early use of caffeine compared with the late use of caffeine. Two reviewers screened the candidate articles and extracted the data from the full-text of all of the included studies. We included a total of 59,136 participants (range 58,997-59,136; variable in one study) from a total of 5 studies. The risk of death (odds ratio [OR], 0.902; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.828 to 0.983; P=0.019), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (OR, 0.507; 95% CI, 0.396 to 0.648; P<0.001), and BPD or death (OR, 0.526; 95% CI, 0.384 to 0.719; P<0.001) were lower in the early caffeine group. Early caffeine use was not associated with a risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and NEC requiring surgery. This meta-analysis suggests that early caffeine use has beneficial effects on neonatal outcomes, including mortality and BPD, without increasing the risk of NEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Won Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gina Lim
- Department of Pediatrics, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Sung-Hoon Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sochung Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyo Sun Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo-Nyung Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Czaba-Hnizdo C, Olischar M, Rona Z, Weninger M, Berger A, Klebermass-Schrehof K. Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography shows that doxapram influences the brain activity of preterm infants. Acta Paediatr 2014; 103:922-7. [PMID: 24813556 DOI: 10.1111/apa.12681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Revised: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to measure the brain activity of preterm infants treated with caffeine citrate and doxapram for preterm apnoea, using amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG), to identify any adverse effects on cerebral function. METHODS We analysed the aEEG tracings of 13 preterm infants <30 weeks of gestation before, during and after doxapram treatment, with regard to background activity (percentages of continuous and discontinuous patterns), occurrence of sleep-wake cycling and appearance of electrographic seizure activity. They were also compared with 61 controls without doxapram treatment. RESULTS During doxapram treatment, aEEG tracings showed an increase in continuous background activity (19 ± 30% before treatment, 38 ± 35% during treatment) and a decrease in discontinuous patterns. In addition, they showed more frequent electrographic seizure activity (0% before treatment, 15 ± 37% during treatment) and less frequent sleep-wake cycling (92 ± 27% before treatment, 85 ± 37% during treatment) could be observed. These results were confirmed when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION Doxapram treatment influences aEEG in preterm infants, showing higher percentages of continuous activity as well as more electrographic seizure activity and less sleep-wake cycling. It should, therefore, be used with caution in very preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Czaba-Hnizdo
- Division of Neonatology, Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - Monika Olischar
- Division of Neonatology, Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - Zsofia Rona
- Division of Neonatology, Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - Manfred Weninger
- Division of Neonatology, Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - Angelika Berger
- Division of Neonatology, Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - Katrin Klebermass-Schrehof
- Division of Neonatology, Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
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Gerull R, Manser H, Küster H, Arenz T, Nelle M, Arenz S. Increase of caffeine and decrease of corticosteroids for extremely low-birthweight infants with respiratory failure from 1997 to 2011. Acta Paediatr 2013; 102:1154-9. [PMID: 24102836 DOI: 10.1111/apa.12419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Revised: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM To compare treatment strategies for respiratory failure in extremely low-birthweight (ELBW) infants in Germany in 1997 to Germany, Austria and Switzerland in 2011. METHODS A detailed questionnaire about treatment strategies for ELBW infants was sent to all German centres treating ELBW infants in 1997. A follow-up survey was conducted in 2011 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. RESULTS In 1997 and 2011, 63.6% and 66.2% of the hospitals responded. In 2011, the response rate was higher in Switzerland than in Germany, and in university hospitals versus nonuniversity hospitals. Treatment strategies did not differ between university and nonuniversity hospitals as well as NICUs of different sizes in 2011. Differences between Germany, Austria and Switzerland were minimal. Administration of caffeine increased significantly, whereas theophylline and doxapram declined (all p < 0.001). While the use of dexamethasone decreased and the use of hydrocortisone increased, the overall use of corticosteroids declined (all p < 0.001). Between 1997 and 2011, therapy with inhalations and mucolytics decreased (both p < 0.001), whereas the use application of diuretics did not change significantly. In mechanically ventilated infants, the application of muscle relaxants and sedation declined significantly (p = 0.009 and p < 0.001), whereas analgesia use did not change. CONCLUSION Treatment strategies for respiratory failure in ELBW infants have changed significantly between 1997 and 2011.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Gerull
- Division of Neonatology; University Children's Hospital Inselspital Berne; Berne Switzerland
| | - Helen Manser
- Division of Neonatology; University Children's Hospital Inselspital Berne; Berne Switzerland
| | - Helmut Küster
- Department of Neonatology; University Children's Hospital Göttingen; Göttingen Germany
| | - Tina Arenz
- Department of Pediatrics; University Children's Hospital Inselspital Berne; Berne Switzerland
| | - Mathias Nelle
- Division of Neonatology; University Children's Hospital Inselspital Berne; Berne Switzerland
| | - Stephan Arenz
- Division of Neonatology; University Children's Hospital Inselspital Berne; Berne Switzerland
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12
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Doxapram use for apnoea of prematurity in neonatal intensive care. Int J Pediatr 2013; 2013:251047. [PMID: 24376463 PMCID: PMC3860126 DOI: 10.1155/2013/251047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Revised: 10/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Apnoea of prematurity is treated with noninvasive respiratory therapy and methylxanthines. For therapy unresponsive apnoea doxapram is often prescibed in preterm neonates. The duration, dosage and route of administration of doxapram together with its efficacy was evaluated in two Dutch neonatal intensive care. Outcome concerning short-term safety and neonatal morbidity were evaluated. During 5 years, 122 of 1,501 admitted newborns <32 weeks of gestational age received doxapram. 64.8% of patients did not need intubation after doxapram. 25% of treated neonates were <27 weeks of gestation. A positive response to doxapram therapy on apnoea was associated with longer duration of doxapram usage (P < 0.001), lower mean doses (P < 0.003), and less days of intensive care (median 33 versus 42 days; P < 0.002). No patients died during doxapram therapy. Incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, retinopathy of prematurity, persistent ductus arteriosus, or worsening of pulmonary condition did not increase during doxapram therapy. Doxapram is frequently used for apnoea of prematurity, despite a lack of data on short-term efficacy and long-term safety. Until efficacy and safety are confirmed in prospective trials, doxapram should be used with caution.
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13
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Hunt CE, Corwin MJ, Weese-Mayer DE, Davidson Ward SL, Ramanathan R, Lister G, Tinsley LR, Heeren T, Rybin D. Longitudinal assessment of hemoglobin oxygen saturation in preterm and term infants in the first six months of life. J Pediatr 2011; 159:377-383.e1. [PMID: 21481418 PMCID: PMC3479632 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2011.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2010] [Revised: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 02/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report longitudinal home recordings of hemoglobin O(2) saturation by pulse oximetry (Spo(2)) during unperturbed sleep in preterm and term infants. STUDY DESIGN We recorded continuous pulse oximetry during the first 3 minutes of each hour of monitor use (nonevent epochs) for 103 preterm infants born at <1750 g and ≤ 34 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA), and 99 healthy term infants. RESULTS Median baseline Spo(2) was approximately 98% for both the preterm and term groups. Episodes of intermittent hypoxemia occurred in 74% of preterm and 62% of term infants. Among infants with intermittent hypoxemia, the number of seconds/hour of monitoring <90% Spo(2) was initially significantly greater in the preterm than the term group and declined with age at a similar rate in both groups. The 75(th) to 95(th) percentiles for seconds/hour of Spo(2) <90% in preterm infants were highest at 36 weeks PMA and progressively decreased until 44 weeks PMA, after which time they did not differ from term infants. CONCLUSIONS Clinically inapparent intermittent hypoxemia occurs in epochs unperturbed by and temporally unrelated to apnea or bradycardia events, especially in preterm infants at 36 to 44 weeks PMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl E. Hunt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toledo Health Sciences Center, Toledo, OH
| | - Michael J. Corwin
- the Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Debra E. Weese-Mayer
- the Department of Pediatrics, Rush Medical College of Rush University, Chicago, IL
| | - Sally L. Davidson Ward
- the Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Rangasamy Ramanathan
- the Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA
| | - George Lister
- the Department of Pediatrics, UTSW Medical School, Dallas, TX
| | - Larry R. Tinsley
- the Department of Pediatrics, John A. Burns School of Medicine., University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI
| | - Tim Heeren
- the Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Denis Rybin
- the Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, MA
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15
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Respiratory and cardiovascular effects of doxapram and theophylline for the treatment of asphyxia in neonatal calves. Theriogenology 2010; 73:612-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2009] [Revised: 09/27/2009] [Accepted: 10/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Abstract
AIM To review treatments for apnoea of prematurity (AOP). METHODS Literature Review and description of personal practice. RESULTS Provided that symptomatic apnoea has been ruled out, interventions to improve AOP can be viewed as directed at one of three underlying mechanisms: (i) a reduced work of breathing [e.g. prone positioning, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)], (ii) an increased respiratory drive (e.g. caffeine), and (iii) an improved diaphragmatic function (e.g. branched-chain amino acids). Most options currently applied, however, have not yet been shown to be effective and/or safe, except for prone, head-elevated positioning, synchronized nasal ventilation/CPAP, and caffeine. CONCLUSION Treatment usually follows an incremental approach, starting with positioning, followed by caffeine (which should be started early, at least in infants <1250 g), and nasal ventilation or CPAP via variable flow systems that reduce work of breathing. From a research point of view, we most urgently need data on the frequency and severity of bradycardia and intermittent hypoxia that can yet be tolerated without putting an infant at risk of impaired development or retinopathy of prematurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- C F Poets
- Department of Neonatology, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany.
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17
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Moriette G, Lescure S, El Ayoubi M, Lopez E. [Apnea of prematurity: what's new?]. Arch Pediatr 2009; 17:186-90. [PMID: 19944573 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2009.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2009] [Revised: 09/11/2009] [Accepted: 09/22/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Prematurity apnea remains a major clinical problem that requires treatment choices which are sometimes difficult. Prematurity apnea occurs in most infants of gestational age at birth less than 33 weeks. It is a developmental disorder which usually reflects a "physiological" immaturity of respiratory control. However, neonatal diseases may be associated and play an additive role, resulting in an increased incidence of apnea. Careful screening should therefore be performed in order to make sure that no other factor than immaturity is involved in the occurrence of apnea. Short apnea (less than 10s, without hypoxemia and bradycardia), due to immaturity, are not clinically relevant. More prolonged apnea, that last for more than 15 or 20s, and / or apnea associated with bradycardia or oxygen desaturation, results in short-term disturbances of cerebral haemodynamics and oxygenation, which may negatively impact on neurodevelopmental outcome. Evaluating the immediate severity of apnea and the risks that apnea may affect long-term outcome remains a challenge. The choice of treatments is based on a few evidences. Caffeine citrate, which reduces the incidence of apnea, has been used for decades. However, a thorough evaluation of risks and benefits of this medication has been performed only recently. Caffeine citrate was found to be safe and resulted in unexpected benefits. In treated infants, compared with controls, indeed, a decreased incidence of the following complications was recorded: bronchopulmonary dysplasia at 36 weeks of conceptional age, patent ductus arteriosus, cerebral palsy at 18 months of age. Nasal CPAP can be used in association with caffeine citrate, when the latter is not effective enough.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Moriette
- Service de médecine néonatale, groupe hospitalier Cochin Saint-Vincent-de-Paul (AP-HP), université Paris-Descartes, 75014 Paris, France.
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Abstract
A number of life-threatening clinical disorders may be amenable to treatment with a drug that can stimulate respiratory drive. These include acute respiratory failure secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, post-anesthetic respiratory depression, and apnea of prematurity. Doxapram has been available for over forty years for the treatment of these conditions and it has a low side effect profile compared to other available agents. Generally though, the use of doxapram has been limited to these clinical niches involving patients in the intensive care, post-anesthesia care and neonatal intensive care units. Recent basic science studies have made considerable progress in understanding the molecular mechanism of doxapram's respiratory stimulant action. Although it is unlikely that doxapram will undergo a clinical renaissance based on this new understanding, it represents a significant advance in our knowledge of the control of breathing.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Spencer Yost
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA.
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Dani C, Bertini G, Pezzati M, Pratesi S, Filippi L, Tronchin M, Rubaltelli FF. Brain Hemodynamic Effects of Doxapram in Preterm Infants. Neonatology 2006; 89:69-74. [PMID: 16158005 DOI: 10.1159/000088287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2005] [Accepted: 06/13/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Doxapram is a respiratory stimulant widely used for the treatment of idiopathic apnea of prematurity, although it has been demonstrated that it can induce a transient decrease of cerebral blood flow and that isolated mental delay in infants weighing <1,250 g is associated with the total dosage and duration of doxapram therapy. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of doxapram on cerebral hemodynamics in preterm infants using cerebral Doppler ultrasonography and near-infrared spectroscopy. METHODS Preterm infants who required treatment with doxapram for apnea of prematurity unresponsive to caffeine were treated with doxapram at an hourly dose of 0.5 mg x kg(-1).h(-1), followed by 1.5 and 2.5 mg x kg(-1).h(-1). RESULTS 20 preterm infants were studied. Doxapram induced a significant decrease of oxygenated hemoglobin (O(2)Hb) and cerebral intravascular oxygenation (HbD = O(2)Hb - HHb) and an increase of HHb and CtOx concentrations, while cerebral blood volume and cerebral blood flow velocity did not change. CONCLUSIONS Doxapram infusion induces the increase of cerebral oxygen consumption and requirement and the contemporary decrease of oxygen delivery probably mediated by a decrease of cerebral blood flow. Caution must be recommended in prescribing this drug for apnea of prematurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Dani
- Department of Surgical and Medical Critical Care, Section of Neonatology, Careggi University Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Lando A, Klamer A, Jonsbo F, Weiss J, Greisen G. Doxapram and developmental delay at 12 months in children born extremely preterm. Acta Paediatr 2005; 94:1680-1. [PMID: 16303710 DOI: 10.1080/08035250500254449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM To examine the relation of doxapram to a developmental score achieved by a structured telephone interview in a group of extremely-preterm-born children. METHODS Parents of 88 children born extremely preterm were contacted by telephone and interviewed by a structured questionnaire (R-PDQ) when the corrected age of their child was 9-15 mo. RESULTS We found that doxapram treatment was associated with a deficit in age-adjusted R-PDQ score. CONCLUSION Doxapram may have a negative effect on neurodevelopmental outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Lando
- Department of Neonatology, The Juliane Marie Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Abstract
AIM To evaluate the feasibility and validity of a structured telephone interview to assess the development of children born extremely preterm. METHODS The parents of 88 children born with a gestational age below 28 wk admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, were interviewed by telephone when their child was 1 y of age, corrected for preterm birth. A fully structured questionnaire on psychomotor function was used (Revised Prescreening Developmental Questionnaire (R-PDQ)). The parents of 30 children born at term without complications were interviewed for comparison. The interview was conducted by NICU staff. To validate the R-PDQ, parents of 22 children in the preterm group and parents of 19 children in the reference group conducted an Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) when their children had reached the age of 3-3(1/2) y. RESULTS The R-PDQ was easy to use by staff and well accepted by parents. The mean score in the preterm group was 14.9+/-3.9 vs 17.7+/-2.7 in the term group (p<0.001). Three children had developmental scores below-2 SD. The R-PDQ score was associated with the ASQ score 2 y later. CONCLUSION A structured questionnaire administrated by telephone is an alternative and usable tool for assessing neurodevelopmental deficit in children born extremely preterm. The mean developmental delay in the preterm group compared to the term group (about-1 SD) was close to expectations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Lando
- Department of Neonatology, Juliane Marie Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Vermeylen D, Franco P, Hennequin Y, Pardou A, Brugmans M, Simon P, Hassid S. Laryngeal oedema in neonatal apnoea and bradycardia syndrome (a pilot study). Early Hum Dev 2005; 81:361-7. [PMID: 15814221 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2004.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2002] [Revised: 01/27/2003] [Accepted: 09/23/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Some preterm infants in general good health continue to present recurrent apnoeas, bradycardias and desaturations (ABD) despite usual treatments. These events may lead to transitory brain hypoxia and to further neurological injury. The purpose of this study has been to evaluate the role of laryngeal oedema in this symptomatology and to assess corticoid treatment. METHOD Twelve preterm babies born at a median age of 28.5 weeks (range: 26-35 weeks) already showed signs of ABD at a median age of life of 28.5 days (range: 9-80 days). Fiberoptic laryngeal endoscopy was performed on these babies at a median postconceptional age of 34 weeks (range: 31-38 weeks) to detect a possible involvement of the larynx in their ABD. RESULTS Each patient presented a severe laryngeal oedema compatible with potential obstructive breathing. Half of the cohort (n=6) received inhaled corticosteroids initiated with a short oral dexamethasone treatment for 3 to 5 days (group 1). All the babies improved. The other half (n=6) received only an inhaled topic corticosteroid treatment (group 2). Four of the six babies improved and two needed oral dexamethasone. Laryngoscopic endoscopy was carried out after 1 week of treatment. The picture corresponded with clinical improvement. Recurrence of ABD occurred in 3/12 (25%) of the babies after stopping dexamethasone. No immediate side effects of the procedure or the treatment were observed. CONCLUSION Laryngeal oedema may be a cause of ABD in preterm newborns. It may arise from oesophageal reflux and/or presence of the feeding tube. It can be diagnosed by atraumatic fiberoptic fibroscopy and successfully treated with corticosteroids.
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MESH Headings
- Administration, Inhalation
- Administration, Oral
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones/administration & dosage
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use
- Bradycardia/drug therapy
- Bradycardia/etiology
- Bradycardia/therapy
- Caffeine/therapeutic use
- Dexamethasone/therapeutic use
- Domperidone/therapeutic use
- Female
- Humans
- Infant
- Infant, Newborn
- Infant, Premature
- Infant, Premature, Diseases/drug therapy
- Infant, Premature, Diseases/etiology
- Infant, Premature, Diseases/therapy
- Laryngeal Edema/drug therapy
- Laryngeal Edema/etiology
- Laryngeal Edema/surgery
- Male
- Pilot Projects
- Prospective Studies
- Respiration, Artificial
- Sleep Apnea Syndromes/etiology
- Sleep Apnea Syndromes/therapy
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
- Danièle Vermeylen
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Erasmus Hospital, Free University of Brussels (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.
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Bénard M, Boutroy MJ, Glorieux I, Casper C. [Determinants of doxapram utilization: a survey of practice in the French Neonatal and Intensive Care Units]. Arch Pediatr 2005; 12:151-5. [PMID: 15694538 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2004.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2004] [Accepted: 10/27/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Methylxanthines and doxapram have been used to stimulate breathing and to prevent apnea in preterm infants. The use of doxapram is controversial because the therapeutic index seems to be narrow and short-term adverse effects have been described. OBJECTIVE To determine the use of doxapram in the French neonatal and intensive care units. METHODS A structured postal questionnaire was sent to all the 236 neonatology and neonatal intensive care units of level IIa, IIb and III in France. The questionnaires were analysed after four months. RESULTS Answers were obtained from 159 chiefs of department (67.4%), 102 used doxapram (64.1%). Doxapram was mainly used as a second step, if methylxanthines failed to reduce the frequency of apneic spells (102/159 units, 64.1%). Doxapram was usually administered intravenously (91/102 units, 89.2%). Only 57 respondents (35.8%) did not use doxapram, because they were aware of the potential adverse effects or they did not know the drug. Monitoring of drug plasma concentrations was rarely performed (11/102 services, 10.8%). Nevertheless, there was a significant interest in this monitoring. CONCLUSION Doxapram is frequently used in France to reduce apnea of prematurity if methylxanthine therapy fails. Further studies are needed to determine safety of doxapram at short and long-term. A multicenter, randomised, double-blinded clinical trial would be interesting to perform, similar to the ongoing caffeine for Apnoea of Prematurity trial (CAP) . The French setting seems appropriate for this kind of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bénard
- Unité de néonatologie, hôpital des enfants, 330 avenue de Grande-Bretagne, 31059 Toulouse cedex 9, France
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent apnea is common in preterm infants, particularly at very early gestational ages. These episodes of loss of effective breathing can lead to hypoxemia and bradycardia which may be severe enough to require resuscitation including use of positive pressure ventilation. Doxapram has been used to stimulate breathing and so prevent apnea and its consequences. OBJECTIVES In preterm infants with recurrent apnea, does treatment with Doxapram lead to a clinically important reduction in apnea and use of intermittent positive airways pressure (IPPV), without clinically important side effects? SEARCH STRATEGY Searches were made of the Oxford Database of Perinatal trials, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2004), MEDLINE from 1966 - June 2004, EMBASE from 1980 - June 2001, CINAHL from 1982- June 2004. Text words 'doxapram', 'apnea or apnoea' and the MeSH term 'infant, premature' were used. Previous reviews including cross references, abstracts from conferences and symposia proceedings were also examined. Abstracts of the Society for Pediatric Research were searched from 1996 - 2004 inclusive. SELECTION CRITERIA All trials utilising random or quasi-random patient allocation, in which doxapram was used for the treatment of apnea in preterm infants were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Each author evaluated the papers for quality and inclusion criteria. Independent data extraction was carried out. MAIN RESULTS Only one trial, which randomized 11 infants to intravenous doxapram and 10 infants to placebo, was found. There were fewer treatment failures after 48 hours in the group of preterm infants treated with doxapram (4/11) compared with the group treated with placebo (8/10). The wide confidence intervals made this result non-significant [RR 0.45 (0.20, 1.05)]. Only one infant, who was from the placebo group, was given IPPV. Of the seven responders by 48 hours in the group of 11 who received doxapram, five failed to respond between 48 hours and seven days after commencement of therapy. This gives a late failure rate of 9/11, similar to the short term failure rate in the placebo group of 8/10. It is not possible to evaluate the late responses of all those in the placebo group since they crossed over to a treatment arm. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS Although intravenous Doxapram might reduce apnea within the first 48 hours of treatment, there are insufficient data to evaluate the precision of this result or to assess potential adverse effects. No long term outcomes have been measured. Further studies are needed to determine the role of this treatment in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Henderson-Smart
- NSW Centre for Perinatal Health Services Research, Queen Elizabeth II Research Institute, Building DO2, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2006
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Hunt CE, Corwin MJ, Baird T, Tinsley LR, Palmer P, Ramanathan R, Crowell DH, Schafer S, Martin RJ, Hufford D, Peucker M, Weese-Mayer DE, Silvestri JM, Neuman MR, Cantey-Kiser J. Cardiorespiratory events detected by home memory monitoring and one-year neurodevelopmental outcome. J Pediatr 2004; 145:465-71. [PMID: 15480368 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2004.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if infants with cardiorespiratory events detected by home memory monitoring during early infancy have decreased neurodevelopmental performance. STUDY DESIGN Infants (n = 256) enrolled in the Collaborative Home Infant Monitoring Evaluation also completed the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II at 92 weeks' postconceptional age. Infants were classified as having 0, 1 to 4, or 5+ cardiorespiratory events. Events were defined as apnea >or=20 seconds or heart rate <60 to 80 bpm or <50 to 60 bpm, for >or=5 to 15 seconds, depending on age. RESULTS For term infants, having 0, 1 to 4, and 5+ cardiorespiratory events was associated with unadjusted mean Mental Developmental Index (MDI) values (+/-SD) of 103.6 (10.6), 104.2 (10.7), and 97.7 (10.9), respectively, and mean Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) values of 109.5 (16.6), 105.8 (16.5), and 100.2 (17.4). For preterm infants, having 0, 1 to 4, and 5+ cardiorespiratory events was associated with unadjusted mean MDI values of 100.4 (10.3), 96.8 (11.5), and 95.8 (10.6), respectively, and mean PDI values of 91.7 (19.2), 93.8 (15.5), and 94.4 (17.7). The adjusted difference in mean MDI scores with 5+ events compared with 0 events was 5.6 points lower in term infants ( P = .03) and 4.9 points lower in preterm infants ( P = .04). CONCLUSIONS Having 5+ conventional events is associated with lower adjusted mean differences in MDI in term and preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl E Hunt
- National Center on Sleep Disorders Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 6705 Rockledge Dr, Ste 6022, Bethesda, MD 20892-7993, USA
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26
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Abstract
In the last decade, knowledge regarding the neurodevelopment and functional aspects of the respiratory centers during postnatal maturation has increased substantially. However, an increase in such knowledge has not provided a basis for change in practice. The diagnosis of apnea of prematurity (AOP) is one of exclusion. All causes of secondary apnea must be ruled out before initiating treatment for AOP. Treatment will depend on the etiology as well as effectiveness and tolerability of the treatment by the patient. The primary goal of any treatment of AOP is to prevent the frequency of apnea lasting >20 seconds, and/or those that are shorter, but associated with cyanosis and bradycardia. The clinical management of AOP is not much different today than it was two decades ago, with pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment options remaining the mainstay of therapy. Methylxanthines are still the most widely used pharmacologic agents. Due to the wider therapeutic index of caffeine and ease of once daily administration, it should be the preferred agent. Doxapram, or nonpharmacologic treatment measures such as nasal continuous positive airway pressure, may be considered in infants who are unresponsive to methylxanthine treatment alone. Treatment should be continued until there is complete resolution of apnea, and for some time thereafter. The choice of method for weaning treatment remains one of individual physician preference. Discharge from hospital after apnea requires close monitoring and some infants will require home apnea monitors. The decision to provide a home apnea monitor should be individualized for each patient, depending on the effectiveness of treatment and clinical response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Bhatt-Mehta
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, F5203, 200 East Hospital Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Allen MC. Preterm outcomes research: a critical component of neonatal intensive care. MENTAL RETARDATION AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES RESEARCH REVIEWS 2003; 8:221-33. [PMID: 12454898 DOI: 10.1002/mrdd.10044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
While early preterm outcome studies described the lives of preterm survivors to justify the efforts required to save them, subsequent studies demonstrated their increased incidence of cerebral palsy, mental retardation, sensory impairments, minor neuromotor dysfunction, language delays, visual-perceptual disorders, learning disability and behavior problems compared to fullterm controls. Because infants born at the lower limit of viability require the most resources and have the highest incidence of neurodevelopmental disability, there is concern that resources have gone primarily to neonatal intensive care and are not available for meeting the followup, health, educational and emotional needs of these fragile infants and their families. Despite many methodological concerns, preterm outcome studies have provided insight into risk factors for and causes of CNS injury in preterm infants. Nevertheless, it remains difficult to predict neurodevelopmental outcome for individual preterm infants. Perinatal and neonatal risk factors are inadequate proxies for neurodevelopmental disability. Recent randomized controlled trials with one to five year neurodevelopmental followup have provided valuable information about perinatal and neonatal treatments. Recognizing adverse longterm neurodevelopmental effects of pharmacological doses of postnatal steroids is a sobering reminder of the need for longterm neurodevelopmental followup in all neonatal randomized controlled trials. Ongoing longterm preterm neurodevelopmental studies, analysis of changes in outcomes over time and among centers, and evaluation of the longterm safety, efficacy and effectiveness of many perinatal and neonatal management strategies and proposed neuroprotective agents are all necessary for further medical and technological advances in neonatal intensive care.
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MESH Headings
- Hospitalization
- Humans
- Infant, Newborn
- Infant, Newborn, Diseases/etiology
- Infant, Newborn, Diseases/mortality
- Infant, Newborn, Diseases/rehabilitation
- Infant, Premature
- Infant, Very Low Birth Weight
- Intensive Care, Neonatal
- Survival Rate
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilee C Allen
- The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-3200, USA.
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Abstract
A substantial number of VLBW graduates of intensive care develop cognitive and behavioral problems, even in the absence of neuroimaging abnormalities. Although this article has highlighted the potential, important, contributing role of medical and stressful, neonatal, environmental conditions to the development of these deficits, it is not all-encompassing, and there are additional prenatal (ie, in utero stress, drug exposure) and neonatal (ie, infectious) contributing factors. The long-term, outcome data presented in this article are pertinent to the more mature, VLBW infant, and it remains unclear and critically important to delineate the long-term, neurobehavioral outcome of those extremely low birth-weight survivors born at the cutting limit of viability.
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MESH Headings
- Basal Ganglia/growth & development
- Basal Ganglia/injuries
- Brain/growth & development
- Causality
- Child Behavior Disorders/etiology
- Child Behavior Disorders/prevention & control
- Cognition Disorders/etiology
- Cognition Disorders/prevention & control
- Developmental Disabilities/etiology
- Developmental Disabilities/prevention & control
- Health Facility Environment/standards
- Hippocampus/growth & development
- Hippocampus/injuries
- Humans
- Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
- Infant, Newborn
- Infant, Premature, Diseases/physiopathology
- Infant, Premature, Diseases/psychology
- Infant, Premature, Diseases/therapy
- Infant, Very Low Birth Weight
- Intensive Care, Neonatal/methods
- Intensive Care, Neonatal/standards
- Noise/adverse effects
- Psychology, Child
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Perlman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9063, USA.
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Henderson-Smart DJ, Davis PG. Prophylactic doxapram for the prevention of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants undergoing endotracheal extubation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000; 2000:CD001966. [PMID: 10908519 PMCID: PMC7025777 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When preterm infants have been given intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) for respiratory failure, weaning from support and tracheal extubation may be difficult. A significant contributing factor is thought to be the relatively poor respiratory effort and tendency to develop hypoventilation and apnea, particularly in very preterm infants. Doxapram stimulates breathing and appears to act via stimulation of both the peripheral chemoreceptors and the central nervous system. This effect might increase the chance of successful tracheal extubation. OBJECTIVES In preterm infants being weaned from IPPV and in whom endotracheal extubation is planned, does treatment with doxapram reduce the use of intubation and IPPV, or reduce other morbidity, without clinically important side effects? In this regard, how does doxapram compare with standard treatment or with an alternative treatment such as methylxanthine or CPAP? Subgroup analyses were prespecified according to birth weight and/or gestational age, use of co-interventions (methylxanthines or nasal CPAP), and route of administration (intravenous or oral). SEARCH STRATEGY The standard search strategy of the Neonatal Review Group as outlined in the Cochrane Library was used. This included searches of the Oxford Database of Perinatal Trials, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE and EMBASE. SELECTION CRITERIA Eligible studies included published trials utilising random or quasi-random patient allocation in which preterm or low birth weight infants being weaned from IPPV were given doxapram compared with standard care or other treatments, to facilitate weaning from IPPV and endotracheal extubation. Trials were independently assessed by the authors before inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The standard methods of the Cochrane Collaboration and its Neonatal Review Group were used. Each author extracted data separately; the results were compared and any differences resolved. The data were synthesized using the standard method of Neonatal Review Group with use of relative risk and risk difference. MAIN RESULTS Two trials involving a total of 85 infants compared doxapram and placebo. In both the individual trials and the meta-analyses there were no significant differences between the doxapram and placebo groups in any of the outcomes (failed extubation, death before discharge, respiratory failure, duration of IPPV, side effects, oxygen at 28 days or oxygen at discharge). There was a trend towards an increase in side effects (hypertension or irritability leading to cessation of treatment) in the doxapram group [summary RR 3.21 (0.53, 19.43). In one of these two trials (Huon 1998) an 'alarming rise in blood pressure' occurred in five infants in the doxapram group and none of the controls, although in only one was treatment withdrawn. One additional trial involving only eight infants compared doxapram with aminophylline, but there were insufficient data for meaningful analysis. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS The evidence does not support the routine use of doxapram to assist endotracheal extubation in preterm infants who are eligible for methylxanthine and/or CPAP. The results should be interpreted with caution because the small number of infants studied does not allow reliable assessment of the benefits and harms of doxapram. Further trials are required to evaluate the benefits and harms of doxapram compared with no treatment or with other treatments, such as methylxanthines or CPAP, to evaluate whether it is more effective in infants not responding to these other treatments, and to assess whether the drug is effective when given orally.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Henderson-Smart
- NSW Centre for Perinatal Health Services Research, Queen Elizabeth II Institute for Mothers and Infants, Building DO2, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2006.
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