Intravenous nutrition and caffeine protocol for saving premature infants
Pharmacist Abdullah Al-Tafif, from Qatif Central Hospital, revealed detailed information about the vital role of the clinical pharmacy department in saving the lives and caring for premature infants, highlighting advanced treatment protocols that begin from the very first moments after birth. This stage is extremely critical, as the fetus leaves the mother's womb before its development is complete, necessitating urgent medical intervention to compensate for the vital functions that have not yet fully matured.
Al-Tafif explained that the cornerstone of this care is comprehensive intravenous nutrition. As soon as a premature baby is born, they are placed on a high-calorie intravenous diet, meticulously prepared in sterile rooms at the pharmacy to ensure it is free from any contaminants. This nutrition aims to mimic the nutritional supply the fetus received from the placenta, helping it gain weight and grow normally outside the womb. These solutions are subject to careful daily monitoring, with adjustments made to the proportions of proteins, fats, and minerals based on laboratory tests and the baby's vital signs.
In the context of drug therapy, Al-Tafif pointed to the use of caffeine as a key component of the treatment plan. Unlike its common use as a stimulant in adults, caffeine (in its medical form, caffeine citrate) plays a life-saving role in premature infants. It acts as a powerful stimulant to the respiratory centers in the brain, helping the infant breathe independently and reducing the common episodes of apnea in premature babies, thus decreasing the need for complex mechanical ventilation.
Pharmaceutical care is complemented by a rigorous preventative strategy to protect the baby's fragile immune system. This includes the use of carefully selected antibiotics to prevent potentially life-threatening bacterial infections in the neonatal intensive care unit. The baby is also supported with precise doses of vitamins and iron supplements to strengthen their physical development and prevent anemia and bone problems, which are common in premature infants.
From a general medical perspective, this integration of clinical pharmacy and the medical team represents a significant advancement in neonatal medicine. In past decades, the chances of survival for premature infants were considerably lower due to feeding difficulties and infections. Today, thanks to these precise protocols, survival rates have increased dramatically, with a reduction in long-term complications such as cognitive delays or motor problems.
The treatment journey concludes with adherence to the national vaccination schedule, to ensure that the child goes home with strong immunity and stable health, reflecting the success of the health system in turning critical cases into success stories that give hope to families.
