The Effect of Stimulating Substances on Brain Activity of Preterm Infants
The Effect of Stimulating Substances on Brain Activity of Preterm Infants
Introduction: Methylxanthines and doxapram have been widely used for the treatment of apneas
 of prematurity. Both substances have effects on the central nervous system. While there are
 data available concerning the use of caffeine (the methylxanthine used at our NICU) even
 proposing a positive effect on neurodevelopmental outcome of very preterm infants, there are
 data which suggest a negative effect of the central stimulants doxapram on longterm outcome
 in this group of infants. Nevertheless concerning both medications only few studies have been
 published and only scarce data are available concerning the effect of these medications on
 brain activity of very preterm infants until now.

 The aim of this study: is the assessment of the effect of stimulating substances on brain
 activity of preterm infants born below 30 weeks of gestation and their longterm
 neurodevelopmental follow-up.

 Methods: This study is a prospective study including preterm infants born below 30 weeks of
 gestational age. Brain activity is measured by one-channel amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG).
 The first aEEG measurement is performed without caffeine and/or doxapram medication. At least
 one hour of brain activity is registrated. The second measurement is done at least 24 hours
 after the start of caffeine and/ or doxapram treatment.

 The percentage of different background patterns, the occurrence and duration of
 sleep-wake-cycling, and the occurrence and duration of seizures is assessed and analysed.
 Neurodevelopmental outcome is assessed at one and two years of corrected age by assessment of
 the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II and standardized clinical neurological
 examination.
Inclusion Criteria:

 see above

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  intraventricular hemorrhage

 -  posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus

 -  cerebral infection

 -  cerebral malformation