TREATMENT OF PATENT DUCTUS-ARTERIOSUS WITH IBUPROFEN

Aim-To evaluate the efficiency and side effects of ibuprofen for the e arly treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and compare it with i ndomethacin. Methods-Forty preterm infants with gestational ages of le ss than 33 weeks, with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and echocar diographically confirmed PDA, were randomly assigned at days 2 to 3 of life to receive either intravenous indomethacin 3 x 0.2 mg/kg at 12 h our intervals or intravenous ibuprofen 1 x 10 mg/kg, followed by 5 mg/ kg 24 and 48 hours later. Results-PDA closed in 15 of 20 patients from the indomethacin group (75%) and in 16 of 20 (80%) from the ibuprofen group. Seven patients (three indomethacin, four ibuprofen) required a second treatment with indomethacin and in five (three in the indometh acin group and two in the ibuprofen group) the duct was ultimately lig ated. Ibuprofen patients had a better urinary output and showed no inc rease in serum creatinine concentrations compared with the indomethaci n group. Ibuprofen was not associated with any other side effect. Conc lusions-Ibuprofen treatment seems to be as efficient as indomethacin i n closing PDA on the third day of life in preterm infants with respira tory distress syndrome and seems to have fewer renal side effects.