[Pharmacological closure of symptomatic PDA in premature infants using indomethacin].
When left to right shunting through the ductus arteriosus is of a degree contributing to the cardiopulmonary problems in a premature infant, the condition is clinically termed symptomatic PDA. It is also generally agreed that symptomatic PDA if left untreated is a significant cause of increased morbidity and mortality. Studies have also concluded that all infants with symptomatic PDA who are prematurely born and/or ventilator dependent should be considered candidates for ductal closure by either pharmacological or surgical mean. Over a period of approximately 2 1/2 years, 22 premature infants with symptomatic PDA have been treated here with powder form indomethacin. The one course success rate was 68%. Thereafter, in another 2 1/2 years, 33 cases were selected for whom a liquid form was used instead. The success rate was 70%. Indomethacin is better given by an intravenous route. However, if the intravenous form is not available, using the liquid form by mouth or via the naso-gastric tube is a good substitute.
Ho
M Y
MY
Department of Pediatrics, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Huang
F Y
FY
Kao
H A
HA
D004374:Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*
D007213:Indomethacin