1 Department of Pediatrics, Naval Regional Medical Center San Diego, California 94135
The introduction of a new therapeutic modality, in this case the use of theophylline in the treatment of "apnea of prematurity," needs careful evaluation before its acceptance as a routine therapeutic measure. The studies by Shannon et al.1 and Uauy et al.,2 and Lucey's commentary3 attest to the success of theophylline. However, I feel a few comments are needed.
Therapeutic effects of theophylline (besides bronchodilatation) include diuresis and natriuresis4; lowering of peripheral resistance, right atrial pressure, and mean pulmonary artery pressure; and an increase in cardiac output.5