Objective: To probe into the application value of caffeine citrate in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Methods: Clinical data of 190 cases of premature infants with RDS admitted to our hospital from Mar. 2017 to Mar. 2018 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into the control group (n=86) and the observation group (n=104) according to different treatment regimen. The control group was given pulmonary surfactant (PS) and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP)

while the observation group received caffeine citrate combined with PS and nCPAP. After 3 d of treatment

the efficacy of two groups was compared. Results: There were no deaths during treatment in both groups. The effective rate of the observation group was 92.31%

higher than 81.40% of the control group (P<0.05). The mechanical ventilation time and length of stay in the observation group were shorter than those in the control group (P<0.01). After 3 d of treatment

the blood oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) and pH in both groups increased

and the observation group was higher than the control group (P<0.01)

the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) decreased

and the observation group was lower than the control group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Caffeine citrate combined with PS and nCPAP in the treatment of premature infants with RDS can enhance the curative effect and shorten the mechanical ventilation time and length of stay

with no significant impacts on complications.