Paracetamol for patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants: a UK national survey

Evidence is emerging that paracetamol is a safe and effective alternative therapy for haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA). Although there is no consensus opinion on its routine use for PDA in preterm infants, paracetamol is being used increasingly in many centres to treat hsPDA.

We conducted a national survey to review the current practice in the UK and the prevalence of paracetamol use for hsPDA closure in preterm infants.

A web-based and telephone survey on the use of paracetamol for hsPDA closure in preterm infants was conducted. All neonatal intensive care and local neonatal units across the UK were contacted between May and August 2018.

98% (143/146) neonatal units responded. The first-line medication for hsPDA closure was ibuprofen in 92% (131/143) units. 33% (47/143) of units used paracetamol; three units used it as first-line. The dose and duration of paracetamol varied greatly among the units with a dose of 15 mg/kg 6 hourly in 62% (29/47) units and a duration of 3 and 5 days in 33% (14/42) and 31% (13/42) of units, respectively. 44% (19/43) of units did routine blood investigations using paracetamol for monitoring patients on treatment and 21% (9/43) took paracetamol level in addition to other tests.

33% of the neonatal units across the UK offered paracetamol to treat hsPDA in preterm infants. Currently, there is a variation in practice regarding the dose, duration of paracetamol and monitoring of infants during its use for hsPDA closure. One strategy would be to develop national guidance once strong evidence is established to support its routine use for hsPDA in preterm infants.