Theophylline for renal function in term neonates with perinatal asphyxia: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Objective: To study whether prophylactic theophylline can reduce the incidence and/or severity of renal failure in term infants with perinatal asphyxia.

Study Design: Term neonates with severe perinatal asphyxia were randomized to receive a single dose of either theophylline (study group, n = 40) or placebo (control group, n = 30) during the first hour of life. Daily weight, output/input ratio, 24-hour fluid intake, and urine volumes were recorded during the first 5 days of life.