Effects of caffeine on renal and pulmonary function in preterm newborn lambs

Abstract

Introduction: Administration of caffeine is associated with a reduction in bronchopulmonary dysplasia, assisted ventilation, patent ductus arteriosus (DA), and cerebral palsy in preterm infants, but the mechanisms are unknown. Our aim was to determine the effects of acute caffeine administration on renal and pulmonary functions in preterm lambs. Methods: Lambs were delivered by cesarean section at ∼126 d of gestation and ventilated with a tidal volume of 5 ml/kg, 60 breaths/min and 5 cmH2O positive end-expiratory pressure. After 30 min, lambs received 40 mg/kg caffeine i.v. (n = 7) or saline (controls; n = 6) over 30 min and were ventilated for 2 h. Results: Arterial concentrations of caffei..