LATTE Dosage Trial

Late preterm infants (babies born at 34+0 to 36+6 weeks’ gestational age) constitute 6% of all births or 3,700 annually in New Zealand. These infants have an increased risk of cerebral palsy, neurodevelopmental impairment and learning problems compared to babies born at term. Intermittent hypoxaemia (recurrent drops in oxygen saturation) is common in late preterm infants and may contribute to impaired brain development. Caffeine therapy may help to prevent intermittent hypoxaemia and improve neurodevelopmental outcomes.

The LATTE Dosage trial is comparing which of 4 different doses of caffeine citrate, compared with placebo, is most effective and best tolerated fore reducing intermittent hypoxaemia.  

132 babies born at 34+0 to 36+6 weeks’ gestational age at Auckland City
or Middlemore Hospitals have been enrolled in the trial. Babies were
randomly allocated to either caffeine citrate 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 15
mg/kg, 20 mg/kg or a placebo which was given daily until their original due date (40 weeks’ gestation). Overnight oximetry recordings were completed before starting the trial medication - at two weeks after randomisation, and at the baby’s original due date.

Parents were asked to complete questionnaires about baby’s feeding and sleeping patterns, as well as maternal health, wellbeing and caffeine intake. Saliva samples were also collected from mum and baby at two weeks of age to allow the researchers to investigate how maternal caffeine intake impacts on the baby’s caffeine levels.

Recruitment to the study has now concluded, and the research team are completing data collection and analysis.
 
For more information, email the Latte Dosage Trial Team at latte@auckland.ac.nz