Time of closure of ductus venosus in term and preterm neonates.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relation between gestational age, birth weight, and antenatal corticosteroid administration and the time of ductus venosus closure.


METHODS
Ninety eight neonates of 30-41 weeks gestational age were studied by daily ultrasonography until ductus venosus closure.


RESULTS
In neonates of 30-33 weeks gestational age, the ductus venosus closed at 6.0 (2.4)days (mean (SD)); in those of 34-36 weeks gestational age, it closed at 6.1 (2.8) days; and in those of 37-41 weeks gestational age, it closed at 4.2 (2.1) days. The effect of antenatal administration of corticosteroids on the time of closure was also investigated in neonates of 30-34 weeks gestational age. Closure occurred by 5.5 (2.4) days in the group given corticosteroids compared with 7.5 (2.1) days in the remainder.


CONCLUSIONS
The ductus venosus closed sooner after birth in neonates of greater gestational age or higher birth weight. Antenatal corticosteroid administration had a significant effect in promoting closure.
Kondo
M
M
Department of Pediatrics, Kagawa Medical University, 1750-1, Miki, Kitagun, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan.
Itoh
S
S
Kunikata
T
T
Kusaka
T
T
Ozaki
T
T
Isobe
K
K
Onishi
S
S
D001724:Birth Weight; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology*; D008102:Liver Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D011168:Portal System / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D013997:Time Factors; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color
D005938:Glucocorticoids