Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
Published on: January 27, 2023
Hemodynamic effects of fluid restriction in preterm infants with significant patent ductus arteriosus
Julie De Buyst1, Thameur Rakza, Thomas Pennaforte
1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Brussels, Belgium.
Objective:
To determine the hemodynamic impact of fluid restriction in preterm newborns with significant patent ductus arteriosus.
Study Design:
Newborns ≥24 and <32 weeks' gestational age with significant patent ductus arteriosus were eligible for this prospective multicenter observational study. We recorded hemodynamic and Doppler echocardiographic variables before and 24 hours after fluid restriction.
Results:
Eighteen newborns were included (gestational age 24.8 ± 1.1 weeks, birth weight 850 ± 180 g). Fluid intake was decreased from 145 ± 15 to 108 ± 10 mL/kg/d. Respiratory variables, fraction of inspired oxygen, blood gas values, ductus arteriosus diameter, blood flow-velocities in ductus arteriosus, in the left pulmonary artery and in the ascending aorta, and the left atrial/aortic root ratio were unchanged after fluid restriction. Although systemic blood pressure did not change, blood flow in the superior vena cava decreased from 105 ± 40 to 61 ± 25 mL/kg/min (P < .001). The mean blood flow-velocity in the superior mesenteric artery was lower 24 hours after starting fluid restriction.
Conclusions:
Our results do not support the hypothesis that fluid restriction has beneficial effects on pulmonary or systemic hemodynamics in preterm newborns.
