An Interesting Observation of PDA Closure with Oral Paracetamol in Preterm Neonates

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), in which there is a persistent communication between the descending thoracic aorta and the pulmonary artery that results from failure of normal physiologic closure of the fetal ductus, is one of the more common congenital heart defects in preterm neonates. The closure of PDA can be done with either Indomethacin or Brufen which are cyclooxygenase 1, 2 inhibitor; however these drugs are associated with side effects. We report an interesting findings of ductal closure in 10 preterm neonates (gestational age 27-33 wks) presenting with significant large PDA who had failed or had absolute contraindication with Brufen. These preterm neonates were treated with oral paracetamol in the dose of 15 mg/kg 8 hourly. The PDA closure was achieved within 48 h and there was no complication.