The official MedZine Blog

Interpretation of medical news

No long-term effects on sleep by caffeine administration for apnea of prematurity

No long-term effects on sleep by caffeine administration for apnea of prematurity

Caffeine administration to neonates suffering from apnea of prematurity does not affect sleep quality or quantity at school-age. Researchers from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia drew this conclusion from their research. Results were published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

In most cases this condition is treated with caffeine, a compound with a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, influencing sleep quality and quantity. Until now, any long-term effects of caffeine administration on the developing brain had not been studied in man. However, results from animal studies suggested a long-term detrimental effect on sleep and control of breathing. In turn, this could lead to delayed memory and learning development.

Scientists looked into sleep and wakefulness as well as quality of sleep in 201 children at age 5-12, which were all born prematurely. Upon birth, these children were enrolled in a placebo controlled clinical trial that assessed the effect of caffeine therapy on AOP. To study their sleep quality and quantity, the children were subjected to several tests registering movement and other physiological parameters, such as brain waves and muscle tension. Parents or caretakers were asked about their children’s sleeping habits.

In contrast to what has been thought earlier, results did not show any significant differences in sleep quality and quantity between ex-preterm children treated with caffeine and the group that received a placebo.

Apnea of prematurity (AOP) – a condition characterized by cessation of breathing during sleep – occurs in at least three quarters of premature infants. There is a correlation between AOP and development of the central nervous system: the earlier the child is born, the higher the chance on AOP.

Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Magazine.


Read more testimonials by health care professionals and advertisers

Follow us