Consider pharmacological treatment to close patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants when the condition is haematologically significant

Abstract

The management of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants may take a conservative, pharmacological and/or surgical approach. Pharmacological treatment to close the ductus may be indicated in symptomatic preterm infants with haematologically significant PDA. Indomethacin and ibuprofen (the only approved agents for PDA in the USA) appear to have similar efficacy in this indication; however, ibuprofen generally has a better tolerability profile. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is becoming increasingly used, despite a lack of clinical data. Surgery is an option in infants with refractory PDA or contraindications to drug therapy.