Luigi Cattarossi, Marco Violino, Franco Macagno, Paolo LoGreco, Marilena Savoia
Correlation between plasma and urinary caffeine levels in preterm infants
Background: We hypothesize that urine levels might be reliable to assess the therapeutic range of caffeine.
Objectives: We correlated plasma and urinary levels of caffeine in preterm infants treated with this drug for apnea of prematurity.
Methods: Infants (n=56) were given a loading dose of caffeine citrate (10 mg/kg, per os) and 24 h later a maintenance dose (2 mg/kg, per os, once a day). Plasma and urinary levels of caffeine were determined 24 h after the loading dose (before administration of the maintenance dose) and then weekly.
Results: Plasma and urinary levels correlate at all examined ages: 29 weeks (r=0.92, P<0.001), 30 weeks (r=0.97, P<0.001), 31 weeks (r=0.82, P<0.001), 32 weeks (r=0.92, P<0.001), 33 weeks (r=0.87, P<0.001), 34 weeks (r=0.81, P<0.001).
Conclusion: Urinary levels of caffeine might be a useful means to assess therapeutic ranges.
Journal of Perinatal Medicine, Walter de Gruyter
Print ISSN: 1619-3997
Volume: 34, 08/2006
Pages: 344 - 346
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