The Effect of Caffeine Therapy in Cardiovascular Stability in Preterm Neonates at Assiut University Children Hospital NICU

The Effect of Caffeine Therapy in Cardiovascular Stability in Preterm Neonates: a Prospective Study at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Assiut University Children Hospital

Preterm neonates younger than 37 weeks gestational age receiving caffeine therapy for apnea of prematurity in a NICU setting.

The study population consists of 40 preterm neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Assiut University Children Hospital. Inclusion criteria restrict participants to those with a gestational age below 37 weeks who are prescribed caffeine citrate therapy to manage apnea of prematurity. Neonates with major congenital anomalies or those requiring vasopressors at baseline are excluded. The cohort is monitored closely for cardiovascular parameters and adverse reactions related to caffeine administration. Demographic and clinical baseline data include prenatal risk factors, gestational and postnatal age, and birth weight. This focused population allows investigation of caffeine's impact on vulnerable cardiovascular physiology during early neonatal life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Preterm neonates with gestational age <37 weeks
• Receiving caffeine therapy for apnea of prematurity
• Hemodynamically stable before caffeine initiation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of major congenital anomalies
• Use of vasopressors at baseline
• Severe intraventricular hemorrhage (Grade III-IV)