Contraction of the fetal ductus arteriosus induced by diclofenac - Case report

The ductus arteriosus in the fetus may contract after administration of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin and aspirin, We repo rt a similar effect observed after a 36-week pregnant women was given diclo fenac against flank pains, The ductus of this fetus was vasoconstricted wit h evidence of right ventricular hypertension. It resolved after cessation o f the drug, Diclofenac is a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor and thus carries the pharmacodynamic properties of other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs wi th inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, resulting in vasoconstriction of the ductus arteriosus. We suggest monitoring of the fetal ductus state and velocities by fetal echocardiography in women treated with diclofenac.