Overview
This study investigates how brain activity and breathing changes in premature babies when their dose of caffeine treatment is changed or stopped. The study will assess premature babies receiving caffeine treatment as part of their clinical care. Brain activity will be recorded just before caffeine dose is changed and again two days afterwards. Breathing and other 'vital signs' (breathing rate, heart rate, oxygen saturation) will be recorded from the baby's monitor between the recordings of brain activity and for up to two weeks afterwards.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Born to a mother aged 16 or over
- Admitted to the Newborn Care Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital
- Born prematurely (before 37 weeks' gestation)
- Parent given informed written consent
- Receiving caffeine citrate
Exclusion Criteria:
- Known chromosomal abnormality or life-threatening congenital abnormality
- Severe hypoxic insult at birth
- Intraventricular haemorrhage grade III or IV or other severe neurological pathology