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Apnoea of Prematurity — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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ModerateNeonatologyApnoea of PrematurityRACP Paediatrics

A preterm infant born at 32 weeks gestation is started on caffeine citrate for apnoea of prematurity. What is the standard loading dose?

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Correct answer: B — 20 mg/kg

Caffeine citrate is the first-line treatment for apnoea of prematurity. The loading dose is 20 mg/kg IV or oral (equivalent to 10 mg/kg of caffeine base), followed by a maintenance dose of 5–10 mg/kg/day of caffeine citrate. The CAP trial demonstrated that caffeine reduces the incidence of BPD and improves neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.

Reference: AMH Children's Dosing Companion – 2024 – Caffeine Citrate