PEDIATRICS Vol. 57 No. 2 February 1976, pp. 293
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The Use of Xanthines in Treating Apnea of Prematurity

J. A. Kuzemko M.D.1

1 Consultant Paediatrician, Peterborough Maternity Unit, Peterborough, England

Your correspondents' comments about aminophylline suppositories1-4 are interesting but largely theoretical since all the evidence quoted was derived from older children. In fact, rectally administered aminophylline is well absorbed in the premature baby.

In a consecutive series of 12 babies (birthweights, 900 to 1,500 gm) given 5-mg aminophylline suppositories, peak levels (mean, 12µg ± 3.2µg of plasma) were obtained at 32 to 36 minutes. No immediate side effects were noted and there were none after 22 months of foolow-up.