Comparing sulindac with indomethacin for closure of ductus arteriosus in preterm infants

A prospective study comparing the efficacy and side-effects of oral sulindac with intravenous indomethacin in clinically stable preterm infants (< 1750 g) requiring non-invasive closure of haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus.

As maturity and birthweight are the two major determinants of ductal closure, infants were matched as closely as possible for these parameters. An eligible patient was first assigned to the sulindac group and a subsequent patient with similar gestational age (+/-1 week) and birthweight (+/-100 g) to the previously recruited infant would automatically receive indomethacin. A total of eight infants were enrolled in each group.

The ductus arteriosus was successfully closed in all eight infants receiving indomethacin, and in seven of eight infants receiving sulindac. No significant differences were found with regards to the ductal size between the two groups at diagnosis or on each of the consecutive days of treatment (P > 0.25). More renal adverse effects were encountered in the indomethacin group. Significant differences in changes from baseline value for urine output, plasma sodium, urea and creatinine concentrations were noted at 24, 48 and 72 h after commencement of treatment between the two groups (P < 0.05). All the parameters returned to normal or pre-treatment levels 48 h after stopping therapy. Unexpectedly, severe gastrointestinal complications were encountered in the sulindac group.

Sulindac is capable of promoting ductal constriction in clinically stable preterm infants without compromising the renal function. The spectrum of gastrointestinal complications observed in sulindac treated infants were similar to those described for indomethacin. The use of sulindac for ductal closure in the preterm infant should remain experimental.