What Are the Minimal Feeds Required for Starting Enteral Ibuprofen in Preterm Infants with PDA?

Abstract

Ibuprofen is commonly used for the treatment of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants. It seems that the oral formulation incurs a higher closure rate and has a better safety profile in preterm infants born > 26 weeks’ gestation. There is no consensus across Canadian centers regarding the minimum volume of enteral feeds required prior to starting ibuprofen for the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus, and the current practice is comfort-based depending on the centre and the local prevalence of neonatal morbidities.