METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and CENTRAL from inception to 30 June 2016 to identify studies investigating the use of early caffeine therapy (initiated at less than 3 days of life) in preterm infants. Effect estimates were combined using random-effects meta-analysis. The primary outcomes for this study were bronchopulmonary dysplasia and mortality.
RESULTS: The initial search found 4066 citations, of which 14 studies enrolling a total of 64 438 participants were included. The time of initiation of early caffeine therapy varied from the first 2 h to 3 days postnatal. Early caffeine therapy reduced the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in both cohort studies (RR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.66 to 0.96) and randomized controlled trials (RR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.56 to 0.81). In cohort studies, neonates treated early with caffeine also showed decreased risks of patent ductus arteriosus, brain injury, retinopathy of prematurity and postnatal steroid use. However, the mortality rate was increased.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that early caffeine therapy is associated with reduced incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and may help decrease the burden of morbidities in preterm infants.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine EnCPAP rates in 36 neonatal intensive care units of the Malaysian National Neonatal Registry (MNNR) in 2013, to compare the outcomes of VLBW neonates with and without EnCPAP, and to determine whether the availability of CPAP facilities and unit policies played a significant role in EnCPAP rates.
METHODS: First, a retrospective cohort study was conducted of VLBW neonates born in the hospitals participating in the study without major congenital abnormalities in the MNNR. This was followed by a questionnaire survey of these hospitals focussed on CPAP facilities and unit policies.
RESULTS: Of the 2,823 neonates, 963 (34.1%) received EnCPAP. Amongst EnCPAP neonates significantly fewer deaths were recorded (10.9 vs. 21.7%; p < 0.001), less bronchopulmonary dysplasia was observed (BPD; 8.0 vs. 11.7%; p = 0.002) and fewer mechanical ventilation days were necessary (p < 0.001) than in non-EnCPAP neonates. Logistic regression analysis showed that EnCPAP was significantly associated with a lower mortality (adjusted OR 0.623; 95% CI 0.472, 0.824; p = 0.001) and BPD among survivors (adjusted OR 0.585; 95% CI 0.427, 0.802; p = 0.001). The median EnCPAP rate of the 36 hospitals was 28.4% (IQR 14.3-38.7). Hospitals with CPAP facilities in the delivery suites (p = 0.001) and during transport (p = 0.001) and a policy for EnCPAP (p = 0.036) had significantly higher EnCPAP rates.
CONCLUSION: EnCPAP reduced mortality and BPD in Malaysian VLBW neonates. Resource-strapped developing countries should prioritise the use of this low-cost therapy.