To evaluate the association between different pharmacologic PDA treatment strategies and major neonatal outcomes in preterm infants.
Approach:
Study Design: Retrospective cohort study of preterm infants born at <32 weeks’ gestation receiving pharmacologic treatment for clinically significant PDA.
Population: Included 76 preterm infants treated between 2018 and 2024, categorized by treatment strategy (ibuprofen, paracetamol, sequential therapy).
Outcomes: Primary outcome was a composite of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and/or mortality; secondary outcomes included IVH, NEC, retinopathy of prematurity, and sepsis.
Key Findings:
51.3% of infants experienced the composite outcome of BPD and/or mortality.
Outcomes did not differ significantly across treatment groups.
Gestational age was identified as the strongest independent predictor of BPD and/or mortality.
Interpretation:
Pharmacologic PDA treatment strategies were not independently associated with BPD and/or mortality; gestational age was a significant factor.
Limitations:
Residual confounding may affect results.
Limited statistical power due to small sample size.
Conclusion:
Pharmacologic treatment strategies for PDA did not show an independent association with major neonatal outcomes in preterm infants.
