Caffeine in apnoeic Asian neonates: a sparse data analysis

Abstract

The dosing regimen studied was suitable for our local Asian neonates as it resulted in therapeutic caffeine concentrations for adequate treatment of apnoea. Adverse effects were tolerable. Therefore, to avoid a higher incidence of adverse effects, this regimen should be retained and not increased as proposed by other workers. CL and V were within values of those reported for neonatal apnoea. Sparse data analysis showed that weight alone was adequate as the influential variable for the accurate prediction of individual pharmacokinetic parameters, plasma concentrations and for dosage adjustment if required.