Spontaneous intestinal perforation after oral ibuprofen treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in two very-low-birthweight infants.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss intestinal side effects of ibuprofen in the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus, after having observed two cases of spontaneous intestinal perforation following ibuprofen treatment.


METHODS
Clinical and laboratory records of two preterm infants, who developed intestinal perforation after ibuprofen administration, were evaluated.


RESULTS
Gestational ages of infants were 29 wk (male) and 30 wk (female). Both infants developed intestinal perforations without signs of necrotizing enterocolitis. The perforations cured with Penrose drainage alone.


CONCLUSIONS
Although ibuprofen is a reasonable treatment alternative to indomethacin, randomized controlled trials, which address potential adverse effects including spontaneous intestinal perforation, are needed.
Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.
M M
MM
Tatli
A
A
Kumral
N
N
Duman
K
K
Demir
O
O
Gurcu
H
H
Ozkan
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004374:Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007052:Ibuprofen