[Theophylline in the treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders].

Abstract

The methylxanthine derivates are known to have respiratory stimulant properties. Therefore theophylline is used in sleep related disturbances of breathing. Theophylline reduces central apneas and periodic breathing in infants. The efficiency of theophyllin is confirmed in reducing central apneas in patients with neurologic diseases or Cheyne Stokes breathing in patients with congestive heart failure. In patients with obstructive sleep apnoea the effect of theophylline is doubtful. An effect of therapy exists in some mild forms of sleep apnoea (apnoea index < 20/h total sleep time). Further studies are necessary to investigate the precise mechanism of of theophylline in obstructive sleep apnoea.

• Authors: S Scholle
• Journal: Zeitschrift fur arztliche Fortbildung und Qualitatssicherung (Z Arztl Fortbild Qualitatssich) Vol. 95 Issue 1 Pg. 35-8 (Jan 2001) ISSN: 1431-7621 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Theophyllin in der Therapie schlafbezogener Atmungsstörungen.
• PMID: 11233493 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Bronchodilator Agents
• Theophylline

Topics

• Adult
• Bronchodilator Agents (therapeutic use)
• Cheyne-Stokes Respiration (drug therapy, etiology)
• Heart Failure (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Humans
• Infant
• Sleep Apnea Syndromes (drug therapy)
• Theophylline (therapeutic use)