Prophylactic intravenous paracetamol use in extremely premature infants for patent ductus arteriosus

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Patency of ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a very common problem among extremely low birth weight infants (ELBW). Hemodynamic instability caused by PDA is associated with important morbidities. This study aims to evaluate the effects of prophylactic intravenous paracetamol on the hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA). Methods A total of 75 infants of <28 week-gestational age were enrolled into the study which was retrospective. Prophylactic paracetamol as the experimental group and none-prophylaxis group as the control group were compared in the study. Results There were 35 subjects in the prophylactic paracetamol group (PPG), and 40 in the control group. Primary outcome measures were ductal closure, ductal diameter, grade 3–4 IVH, and repeated ibuprofen need for the treatment of hsPDA. At the time of the evaluation by echo, hsPDA, and the diameter of the ductus higher than 1 mm were found significantly lower in the PPG (p=0.004 and p=0.013). Additionally, the repeated course of ibuprofen was significantly lower in the PPG (p=0.025). Secondary outcomes were the other perinatal morbidities. According to the results of the study, the male gender is 6.6, and the paracetamol use is 5.5 times more likely to suffer from ROP. Conclusions The results of the study indicated that prophylactic paracetamol use in ELBW infants decreases the likelihood of hsPDA. The repeated course of ibuprofen for the treatment of hsPDA can be reduced. Furthermore, it can be understood that while prophylactic use of paracetamol is preventive for intraventricular hemorrhage, it does not function in the same way for retinopathy of prematurity or bronchopulmonary dysplasia. It might even worse the retinopathy of prematurity. Further prospective randomized controlled and larger sample-sized studies are needed.