|
The Cochrane Collaboration
Cochrane Reviews |
| Explore | New + Updated | Other languages |
|
 |
Carnitine supplementation for preterm infants with recurrent apneaKumar M, Kabra NS, Paes B
Bookmark this:      more ...
SummaryMore research is needed before the use of carnitine for the treatment of apnea of prematurity can be recommended in clinical practice.Apnea of prematurity is a common problem in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care setting (NICU). Recurrent apnea episodes are correlated with adverse neurological development in this population. Carnitine deficiency has been shown to be associated with apnea and respiratory failure in infants and in adults. The reviewers investigated whether treatment of premature babies with carnitine will help in the reduction or resolution of apnea episodes, and the need for ventilation. No treatment trials were identified.
This is a Cochrane review abstract and plain language summary, prepared and maintained by The Cochrane Collaboration, currently published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008 Issue 2, Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.. The full text of the review is available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1464-780X).
This version first published online:
October 18. 2004 AbstractBackgroundApnea of prematurity is a common problem in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care setting (NICU), often delaying their discharge home or transfer to a step down unit. Premature infants are at increased risk of carnitine deficiency. Carnitine supplementation has been used for both prevention and treatment of apnea. ObjectivesTo determine the effect of treatment with carnitine on the frequency of apnea, the duration of ventilation and the duration of hospital stay in preterm infants with recurrent apnea. Search strategyComputerised searches were carried out by two reviewers independently. Searches were made of MEDLINE (1966 to May 2007), EMBASE (1988 to May 2007), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2007), abstracts of annual meetings of the Society for Pediatric Research (1995 - 2007), and contacts were made with the subject experts. Selection criteriaOnly randomized or quasi-randomized treatment trials of preterm infants with a diagnosis of recurrent apnea of prematurity were considered. Trials were included if they involved treatment with carnitine compared to placebo or no treatment, and measured at least one of the following outcomes: failure of resolution of apneas, the duration of ventilation and the duration of hospital stay. Data collection and analysisTwo reviewers evaluated the papers for inclusion criteria and quality. Corresponding authors were contacted for further information where needed. Main resultsNo eligible trials were identified. Authors' conclusionsDespite the plausible rationale for the treatment of apnea of prematurity with carnitine, there are insufficient data to support its use for this indication. Further studies are needed to determine the role of this treatment in clinical practice. |