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Use of combination therapy with acetaminophen and ibuprofen for closure of the patent ductus arteriosus in preterm neonates
Paediatrics and Child Health (Canada)
  • Susan Kimani, Western University
  • Aimann Surak, Western University
  • Michael Miller, Western University
  • Soume Bhattacharya, Western University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2021
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1093/pch/pxaa057
Abstract

Objective: To compare effectiveness and safety of combination therapy (acetaminophen and ibuprofen) to monotherapy (ibuprofen, indomethacin, or acetaminophen alone) in treatment of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature neonates. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of neonates admitted to a tertiary-level neonatal intensive care unit. Included neonates were born at <32 weeks gestation and received pharmacotherapy for PDA closure. Based on the primary therapy received, our cohort was divided into the following four groups: indomethacin alone, ibuprofen alone, acetaminophen alone, and ibuprofen and acetaminophen (in combination). Baseline characteristics, effectiveness, safety, neonatal mortality, and morbidities rates between these groups were compared. Results: One hundred and forty neonates were analyzed; 17 received combination therapy, and 123 neonates received monotherapy: 22 (17.9%) ibuprofen, 29 (23.6%) acetaminophen, and 72 (58.5%) indomethacin. The PDA closure rates were 41.7% for indomethacin, 41.2% for combination therapy, 37.9% for acetaminophen, and 31.8% for ibuprofen (P=0.100). Rates of adverse effects were comparable between the groups. Conclusion: The rate of ductal closure was not different between combination therapy and monotherapy. The study did not demonstrate any increased adverse effects in the combination group. Future well-designed prospective clinical trials are needed to guide clinical practice.

Citation Information
Susan Kimani, Aimann Surak, Michael Miller and Soume Bhattacharya. "Use of combination therapy with acetaminophen and ibuprofen for closure of the patent ductus arteriosus in preterm neonates" Paediatrics and Child Health (Canada) Vol. 26 Iss. 4 (2021) p. E177 - E183
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/michael-miller-paeds/5/