A randomised controlled trial, of caffeine prophylaxis to improve neurodevelopment in babies born late preterm, is about to get underway in the Te Whatu Ora Taranaki Neonatal Unit for the next 18 months. General practices may get questions from patients part of this trial.
This trial is taking place nationwide, and involves giving oral caffeine citrate to late preterm infants. The purpose of the trial is to determine if prophylactic caffeine citrate treatment, given to babies born late preterm (34 +0 to 36 +6), from birth to term (corrected age) improves their neurodevelopmental outcome at 2.5 years corrected age.
The implication for general practice is to simply have an awareness that the trial is ongoing over the next 18 months as Te Whatu Ora Taranaki attempt to recruit 50 babies in the Taranaki region. The main side effect for general practice to be aware of is potential tachycardia.
View the health professional information document here that can be printed and shared with staff.
Any questions please contact Nyree Biesiek, staff nurse Neonatal Latte Trial, research nurse or Mark Shaw, lead paediatrician.
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