Caffeine citrate has been used as the first-line agent for apnea of prematurity. It works via mechanisms including stimulation of the respiratory center in medulla, increasing sensitivity to carbon dioxide retention, and increment in diaphragmatic activity. The effect of caffeine citrate has been evaluated largely based on parameters concerning clinical symptoms (e.g., decrease in the number of apnea, extubation success, decreased incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia) but not quantified parameters of actual diaphragmatic activity. Also, while usual doses of caffeine administration is described in the literature, consensus on the effect of caffeine citrate depending on different dosages has not been established.~The current study aims to evaluate effect of caffeine citrate by quantifying the electrical impulses of diaphragmatic activity using EDI values captured from neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) mode.~Out of preterm infants necessitating invasive or non-invasive ventilators, those who are supported by invasive or non-invasive NAVA would be recruited. EDI changes would be monitored for the following timepoints: at the administration of caffeine citrate loading dose, 1st maintenance dose after loading, and at cessation of caffeine citrate.
Caffeine citrate, the first-line agent for apnea of prematurity, enhances diaphragmatic activity. EDI values of neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) modes can be used to quantify the diaphragmatic activity triggered by electrical impulse from the respiratory center. This study aims to evaluate the EDI changes following caffeine citrate administration and cessation in preterm infants, and whether such changes are affected by different doses used variably in clinical settings.