Caffeine Toxicity in a Neonate

Abstract

Caffeine poisoning in children is extremely rare. So far only four cases have been reported.1-4 Two children expired and two others survived. Review of the literature fails to show any reports of caffeine poisoning in a neonate. The purpose of this report is to present such a case and review the literature. CASE REPORT Patient T.B. was a full-term infant delivered to a 28-year-old gravida 1, para 0, black woman by emergency cesarean section for eclampsia and cephalopelvic disproportion. Apgar scores were 3 and 4 at one and five minutes, respectively. The infant was resuscitated with bag and mask. At 20 minutes of age, the infant was given 125 mg of caffeine (1,3,7-trimethyl xanthine) and sodium benzoate intramuscularly followed by 0.2 ml of Nalline for poor respiratory effort.