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Spontaneous motility in preterm infants treated with indomethacin
A F Bos1, I M Venema, M Bergervoet
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands. a.f.bos@med.rug.nl
Objective:
To determine in preterm infants with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) the effect of indomethacin treatment on spontaneous motor activity.
Study Design:
Motor activity was assessed from repeated videotape recordings in 32 preterm infants (
Results:
A significant reduction in the quantity of several spontaneous movement patterns and an increase in the occurrence of rest periods were found following the first indomethacin administration (p < 0.01). Concerning the quality of general movements, a reduction in the speed was found (p < 0.05). Both effects were not found after the third indomethacin administration.
Conclusion:
In preterm infants with a PDA, treatment with indomethacin leads to a transient reduction in the quantity of spontaneous movement patterns and to a decrease in the speed of general movements. We recommend a cautious use of bolus indomethacin for the treatment of PDA.