Apnea of prematurity and caffeine pharmacokinetics: potential impact on hospital discharge

摘要: To determine the half-life of serum caffeine concentrations and its relation to apnea prematurity (AOP) after is discontinued in preparation for hospital discharge. Prospective cohort study involving preterm infants with gestational ages ⩽33 weeks at birth. After was discontinued, electronic detection pathologic apnea, defined a priori, were obtained 24 168 h, respectively. Caffeine levels decreased from 13.3±3.8 4.3±2 mg l−1 (n=50, mean±s.d.) respectively (P<0.01). The mean 87±25 h 35±1 postmenstrual age. Seven days discontinuation caffeine, 64% had apnea. Hospital discharge planning history AOP should be carefully considered discontinuing caffeine. This showed that may not reach subtherapeutic until around 11–12 days.