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Ibuprofen use to reduce the incidence and severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a pilot study
N V Raju1, R A Bharadwaj, R Thomas
1Children's Hospital of Michigan, Children's Research Center of Michigan, Wayne State University, Detroit, USA.
Insights
This pilot study found ibuprofen did not significantly reduce bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. While some feeding tolerance improved, gastrointestinal complications and renal issues were noted, warranting further research.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a significant complication in preterm infants.
- Early intervention strategies are crucial for improving outcomes in premature neonates.
- Ibuprofen is being investigated for its potential role in managing respiratory distress in neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of ibuprofen in preventing or treating bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants.
- To assess the safety profile of ibuprofen administration in this vulnerable population.
- To compare ventilatory parameters and complication rates between infants receiving ibuprofen and conventional treatment.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 18 preterm infants (23-28 weeks gestation) was conducted.
- Nine infants received ibuprofen (10 mg/kg loading, 5 mg/kg q12h) until 28 days or spontaneous breathing.
- Outcomes (BPD incidence, ventilation, complications) were compared to nine matched controls.
Main Results:
- The incidence of BPD at 36 weeks postconceptional age was similar (8/9 in both groups).
- No significant differences were observed in oxygen requirements, ventilatory efficiency, or steroid use.
- Gastrointestinal complications and reversible renal failure occurred in the ibuprofen group; feeding tolerance improved (p=0.04).
Conclusions:
- Ibuprofen did not significantly reduce BPD incidence in this pilot study.
- A trend towards fewer ventilator and hospital days was observed but not statistically significant.
- Further research is necessary to determine ibuprofen's role in BPD prevention and treatment due to observed complications and low plasma levels.
Objective:
To assess the safety and efficacy of ibuprofen in reducing the incidence and severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants.
Methods:
A total of 18 premature infants between 23 and 28 weeks' gestation were studied. Ibuprofen (10 mg/kg of loading dose followed by 5 mg/kg every 12 hours) was administered intravenously or orally to nine infants on respiratory support at > or = 7 days of age and was continued until 28 days of life or until the infants were spontaneously breathing room air, whichever occurred earlier. Ibuprofen levels in plasma were measured in five of these infants. The outcome variables (BPD, ventilatory parameters, and complications) in the study group were compared with those in nine matched controls treated conventionally.
Results:
The incidence of BPD at 36 weeks postconceptional age was similar in both groups (eight of nine in each group). The percentage of oxygen requirement, the ventilatory efficiency index, and steroid use were also similar in both groups. One infant in the study group, who was also receiving steroids and aminophylline, developed gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Reversible renal failure in one infant and necrotizing enterocolitis in another infant were seen at 4 and 21 days, respectively, after the last dose of ibuprofen. There was no difference in the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage between the two groups. Plasma levels of ibuprofen at 3 hours after the first dose ranged from 10.3 to 36 mg/liter. Study infants tolerated the feeds better and achieved the full enteral goal earlier than controls (p = 0.04).
Conclusion:
Although a trend toward less ventilator and hospital days in the ibuprofen group was observed in this pilot study, the differences were not statistically significant. The incidence of BPD was similar in both groups. In the study group, two infants developed gastrointestinal complications and a third infant experienced reversible renal failure. The plasma ibuprofen levels were low. Further studies are needed to assess the use of ibuprofen for the prevention and/or treatment of BPD in preterm infants.