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Does high dose intravenous acetaminophen affect liver function for PDA closure in premature neonate?
Reza Bahrami1,2, Aida Ezzatabadi3, Nima Mehdizadegan4,5
1Neonatal Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Italian Journal of Pediatrics
|February 18, 2021
Summary
High-dose intravenous acetaminophen effectively closes patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants without causing liver damage. This treatment showed an 82.6% closure rate with no significant adverse effects observed.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pharmacology
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common condition in preterm infants.
- Intravenous acetaminophen is increasingly used for PDA treatment.
- Concerns exist regarding its efficacy and potential hepatotoxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous acetaminophen for PDA closure in preterm infants.
- To assess the potential hepatotoxicity of high-dose intravenous acetaminophen.
- To compare outcomes with standard dosing regimens.
Main Methods:
- An observational, longitudinal, prospective study.
- Involved 46 preterm infants with PDA treated with high-dose intravenous acetaminophen.
- Evaluations included echocardiography and serum liver enzymes (AST, ALT, Albumin, bilirubin).
Main Results:
- PDA closure rate was 82.6% in treated infants.
- No significant changes in AST, ALT, Albumin, or bilirubin levels were observed post-treatment.
- No adverse side effects associated with intravenous acetaminophen were reported.
Conclusions:
- High-dose intravenous acetaminophen is effective for PDA closure in preterm infants.
- The treatment demonstrated a favorable safety profile with no significant hepatotoxicity.
- Efficacy appears comparable to standard doses, warranting further investigation.
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