Intestinal perforation associated with indomethacin treatment in premature infants

Within 9 months we observed intestinal perforations in three very low birth weight (VLBW) infants undergoing indomethacin treatment for symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (sPDA). The three patients exhibited striking similarities in their clinical courses and predisposing factors. Although clinical and histological criteria did not differentiate the perforations from necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), a well-known entity in premature infants, these events were remarkable to us since we had observed no other cases of NEC in recent years. From animal experiments and pathophysiological data, a role for indomethacin in gastrointestinal ischaemic damage must be considered. This communication is not meant to discredit indomethacin treatment. However, awareness of potential complications and careful monitoring during treatment is warranted.