[Ibuprofen versus indomethacin in the preterm persistent patent ductus arteriosus therapy: review and meta-analysis]

Persistent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common pathology in the preterm whose traditional treatment has been indomethacin. Recently, ibuprofen has shown its effectiveness in closing the PDA with less hemodynamic effects. The objective of this paper is to review the current literature in order to determine if there is any benefit of ibuprofen versus indomethacin in the PDA therapy.

Eleven trials comparing intravenous ibuprofen versus indomethacin in the treatment of PDA confirmed by echocardiography in < 35 weeks preterm or < 1,500 g birth weight were included. A meta-analysis of the trials data was performed.

No trial show statistically significant differences in the failure of closing PDA, neither the meta-analysis (RR 0.96 [CI 95 %: 0.74-1.26], with a power of 0.995). No differences were found in the rate of reopening and surgical ligation. Complications were similar, except for a significant lower incidence of oliguria in the ibuprofen group (RR 0.23 [CI 95 %: 0.10-0.51]). There were no differences in the respiratory outcomes (RR of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) at 28 days 1.32 [CI 95 %: 0.99-1.76]).

In our revision ibuprofen was as effective as indomethacin in closing PDA. No significant differences were found in the incidence of complications except for less renal impairment with ibuprofen. A higher risk of BPD in the ibuprofen group is not confirmed, although more studies are needed.