Mercy Hospital launches study on best caffeine dose for premature babies
Mercy Hospital for Women in Melbourne is launching BabyCCINO, a trial that aims to find the best caffeine dose for premature babies.
Caffeine has helped premature babies breathe for decades. Doctors don't yet know which dose gives them the best outcomes.
The trial will compare three different caffeine dosing regimens. Professor Brett Manley explained that caffeine stimulates the brains of preterm babies.
It reminds them to breathe. This helps prevent dangerous pauses that drop oxygen levels.
Neonatal consultant Dr Katie Van Schilfgaarde noted that babies given caffeine do better long-term after they leave intensive care. Around 4000 babies across Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom are expected to participate.
Researchers will examine babies' health in hospital, then track their growth and development two to three years later. Participating intensive care units worldwide are expected to implement the results immediately.
- Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne
- Lead institution
- 2 to 3 years after discharge
- Follow-up period
Why it mattersFinding the optimal caffeine dose could improve breathing support and long-term outcomes for tens of thousands of premature babies born globally each year.
AustraliaAustralian neonatal care will be shaped by the trial results, and babies born prematurely at Australian hospitals will receive the safest and most effective caffeine treatment within months of the findings.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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