Meera N. Sankar, Shazia Bhombal, William E. Benitz
Congenital Heart Disease, Vol.14, No.1, pp. 46-51, 2019, DOI:10.1111/chd.12708
Abstract Management of patent ductus arteriosus in extremely preterm infants remains a
topic of debate. Treatment to produce ductal closure was widely practiced until the
past decade, despite lack of evidence that it decreases morbidities or mortality.
Meta‐analyses of trials using nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs have shown ef‐
fectiveness in accelerating ductal closure, but no reduction in neonatal morbidities,
regardless of agent used, indication, timing, gestational age, or route of administra‐
tion. Surgical ligation closes the ductus but is associated with adverse effects.
Recent experience with conservative approaches to treatment suggest improved
neonatal outcomes and a high More >