Use of Paracetamol for Treatment of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Neonates: A 5-Year Experience From a Tertiary Hospital in India

We evaluated ductal closure rates in preterm neonates with hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) who received paracetamol (PCM) as first-line therapy.

In this retrospective chart review, we included inborn preterm (< 37 weeks) neonates (January 2017–December 2021) with hsPDA (ductal diameter > 1.5 mm and left atrium-to-aortic root ratio (La/Ao > 1.4) who were treated with oral or intravenous PCM. Primary outcome was hsPDA closure (defined as small or no PDA) following 3-day treatment. Secondary outcomes were need for retreatment and surgical ligation, pulmonary hypertension (PH), and in-hospital morbidities.

Out of 2784 preterm births, 117 neonates were diagnosed with hsPDA. Out of 96 neonates who received PCM in the first course, 20 died before the completing the first course. The median (IQR) gestation and birth weight of neonates who received PCM were 28 (26, 29) weeks and 841 (714, 1039) g, respectively. Out of 76 neonates who completed treatment with first course of PCM (57 intravenous, 19 oral), 43 (56.6%) achieved successful closure and five (6.6%) developed PH. 14 neonates received a second course of PCM; 10 achieved closure of hsPDA while one expired.

Paracetamol is associated with successful closure of hsPDA in 56.6% of preterm neonates after one course and 70% of preemies after two courses