Effect of theophylline on periodic breathing in congestive heart failure measured by transcutaneous oxygen monitoring.

The effect of theophylline on periodic breathing was measured by transcutaneous oxygen monitoring in 7 patients suffering from chronic congestive heart failure. Theophylline significantly decreased the frequency of Cheyne-Stokes breathing. Transcutaneous oxygen monitoring proved to be a useful method to follow changes in the breathing pattern. The suggested mechanism of action of theophylline in reducing the incidence of periodic breathing is blockade of adenosine receptors.