CAFFEINE FOR PERSISTENT INTERMITTENT HYPOXIA IN NEWBORNS WITH AND WITHOUT CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE

Objectives: To assess the caffeine response in preterm and term newborns with persistent intermittent hypoxia (IH) as they approach discharge, with a particular focus on newborns with chronic lung disease of prematurity (CLD). To identify factors associated with a lack of response to caffeine. Design/settings: Retrospective cohort study across two neonatal intensive care units between 2015-2022. Main outcomes following caffeine administration: Normal oximetry; no need for respiratory support; resolution of hypercapnia. Results. A total of 132 infants received caffeine for persistent IH. Normal oximetry was achieved post-caffeine in 81% (46/57) of newborns with CLD, in 96% (46/48) of preterm with no CLD, in 96% (26/27) of term newborns. Caffeine reduced the % time with SpO 2