Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 29, 2026
Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
Published on: January 27, 2023
Paracetamol treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants
1Department of Neonatology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel.
Insights
Paracetamol may help close the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants when other treatments fail. This study suggests paracetamol is a potential therapeutic option for managing PDA in premature neonates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common condition in preterm infants.
- Ibuprofen is a common treatment, but not always effective or suitable.
- Surgical ligation is an option for persistent PDA but carries risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of paracetamol in closing PDA in preterm infants.
- To explore paracetamol as an alternative treatment for PDA in neonates who failed or could not receive ibuprofen.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of preterm infants with symptomatic PDA were treated with oral paracetamol (15 mg kg⁻¹ every 6h for up to 7 days).
- Infants were candidates for surgical ligation and had failed or could not receive ibuprofen.
- Clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory parameters were monitored.
Main Results:
- Seven preterm infants (24-27 weeks' gestation) were included.
- PDA closed in four infants treated with paracetamol; one required re-treatment after reopening.
- One infant showed near closure and spontaneous closure, while two ultimately required surgical ligation. No adverse hematologic or biochemical effects were observed.
Conclusions:
- Paracetamol may contribute to PDA closure in preterm infants.
- Further research is needed to confirm the role of paracetamol in PDA management.
- Paracetamol presents a potential alternative therapeutic strategy for PDA in neonates.
Objective:
To determine the effectiveness of paracetamol in closing patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants of our population.
Study Design:
Infants with symptomatic PDA who failed or could not get ibuprofen treatment, and who were candidates for surgical ligation, were administered oral paracetamol 15 mg kg⁻¹ every 6h, for up to 7 days and were monitored for clinical, echocardiographic and laboratorial courses.
Result:
Seven infants, between 24-27 weeks' gestation, were included. In four the DA was closed while treated by paracetamol-in one of them the DA reopened, treated with paracetamol again, and closed. In one infant, the DA almost closed, symptoms disappeared, and the DA subsequently closed spontaneously later. Two needed surgical ligation. There were no hematologic or biochemical abnormalities.
Conclusion:
Although there is the possibility that PDA may have closed spontaneously, it is proposed that paracetamol could contribute to the closure of PDA in preterm infants.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme...
01:26Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
01:23Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
01:29Drug Dosing: Infants and Children