Caffeine is indicated for which condition in infants?

Caffeine is indicated for the treatment of apnea of prematurity in infants, particularly those who are preterm and have a higher incidence of experiencing episodes of apnea. Apnea in this context refers to pauses in breathing that last longer than 20 seconds or shorter pauses associated with bradycardia, which can lead to complications if not addressed. Caffeine acts as a central nervous system stimulant, promoting respiratory drive and overall ventilation in these infants, thereby helping to decrease the frequency of apnea episodes.

In contrast, while the other options may relate to respiratory issues, they are not typically treated with caffeine. For instance, asthma might be managed with bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications rather than caffeine. Congenital heart defects and bronchitis have different treatment protocols that do not generally include caffeine as a primary therapeutic agent. Hence, caffeine's role in addressing apnea in preterm infants defines its specific use in this setting.