Oral paracetamol versus oral ibuprofen for treatment of patent ductus arteriosus

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate the safety and efficacy of oral paracetamol versus oral ibuprofen in the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants. METHODS: Premature infants with PDA with a gestational age of ≤32 weeks or birth weight of ≤1500 g were included in this randomized study. RESULTS: A total of 120 premature infants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of these 120 infants, 34 fulfilled the treatment criteria and 22 were finally randomized. We found no significant difference in the mortality or primary closure rates between the two groups. We also found no significant difference in the short-term neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Either oral paracetamol or oral ibuprofen can be used safely and effectively to treat PDA in premature infants.