Caffeine Toxicity in a Preterm Neonate

Apnea of prematurity is a common complication in premature infants. The first-line pharmacotherapeutic agent for this condition is caffeine, a methylxanthine. Caffeine is preferred over theophylline because it has fewer adverse effects and a wider therapeutic window.1 Measuring the serum caffeine concentration is not required in preterm neonates because most of these infants can tolerate therapeutic levels.2 In this paper, we present the first report of a preterm neonate in whom the serum caffeine concentration exceeded therapeutic levels, which resulted in rhabdomyolysis.

Source: Pediatrics and Neonatology - October 10, 2016 Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Sachiko Nakaoka, Yukako Kawasaki, Satomi Inomata, Masami Makimoto, Taketoshi Yoshida Tags: Brief communication Source Type: research