Indomethacin Therapy for Large Patent Ductus Arteriosus in the Very Low Birth Weight Infant: Results and Complications

Abstract

Of 36 very low birth weight infants (P = .048) irrespective of birth weight or gestational age. Major complications were renal and unrelated to ductus response. Urine output fell significantly (3.65 to 1.63 ml/kg/hr, P < .001) and in 47% of infants serum creatinine increased ≥1.5 mg/dl. Creatinine was less likely to rise in infants more than 14 days old. Hyponatremia was found in 36% of infants. Serum potassium increased more frequently in infants more than 8 days old and was >6.0 mEq/liter in 25%. Indomethacin caused a reduction in PaCO₂ (41 to 37 mm Hg, P < .01) and an increase in pH (7.32 to 7.36, P < .02) with no change in base deficit. These changes occurred even in the absence of clinical ductus closure. No other side effects of indomethacin therapy were noted. Three infants died but death was unrelated to indomethacin therapy. Overall survival was 92%, and nine infants (25%) developed mild bronchopulmonary dysplasia.