Effect on cerebral oxygenation of paracetamol for patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants

Noninvasive Monitoring Strategies for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia or Post-Prematurity Respiratory Disease: Current Challenges and Future Prospects

Definitions of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or post-prematurity respiratory disease (PPRD) aim to stratify the risk of mortality and morbidity, with an emphasis on long-term respiratory outcomes. There is no univocal classification of BPD due to its complex multifactorial nature and the substantial heterogeneity of clinical presentation. Currently, there is no definitive treatment available for extremely premature very-low-birth-weight infants with BPD, and challenges in finding targeted preventive therapies persist. However, innovative stem cell-based postnatal therapies targeting BPD-free survival are emerging, which are likely to be offered in the first few days of life to high-risk premature infants. Hence, we need easy-to-use noninvasive tools for a standardized, precise, and reliable BPD assessment at a very early stage, to support clinical decision-making and to predict the response to treatment. In this non-systematic review, we present an overview of strategies for monitoring preterm infants with early and evolving BPD-PPRD, and we make some remarks on future prospects, with a focus on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).

Ductus arteriosus and the preterm brain

As the approach to the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in the preterm infant remains controversial, the potential consequences of a significant ductal shunt on the brain should be evaluated. In this population at high risk of adverse outcomes, including intraventricular haemorrhage and white matter injury, as well as longer-term neurodevelopmental impairment, it is challenging to attribute sequelae to the PDA. Moreover, individual patient characteristics including gestational age and timing of PDA intervention factor into risks of brain injury. Haemodynamic assessment of the ductus combined with bedside neuromonitoring techniques improve our understanding of the role of the PDA in neurological injury. Effects of various PDA management strategies on the brain can similarly be investigated. This review incorporates current understanding of how the PDA impacts the developing brain of preterm infants and examines modalities to measure these effects.

Near-infrared spectroscopy in the medical management of infants

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a technology that is easy to use and can provide helpful information about organ oxygenation and perfusion by measuring regional tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) with near-infrared light. The sensors can be placed in different anatomical locations to monitor rSO2 levels in several organs. While NIRS is not without limitations, this equipment is now becoming increasingly integrated into modern healthcare practice with the goal of achieving better outcomes for patients. It can be particularly applicable in the monitoring of pediatric patients because of their size, and especially so in infant patients. Infants are ideal for NIRS monitoring as nearly all of their vital organs lie near the skin surface which near-infrared light penetrates through. In addition, infants are a difficult population to evaluate with traditional invasive monitoring techniques that normally rely on the use of larger catheters and maintaining vascular access. Pediatric clinicians can observe rSO2 values in order to gain insight about tissue perfusion, oxygenation, and the metabolic status of their patients. In this way, NIRS can be used in a non-invasive manner to either continuously or periodically check rSO2. Because of these attributes and capabilities, NIRS can be used in various pediatric inpatient settings and on a variety of patients who require monitoring. The primary objective of this review is to provide pediatric clinicians with a general understanding of how NIRS works, to discuss how it currently is being studied and employed, and how NIRS could be increasingly used in the near future, all with a focus on infant management.

Measurement of lung oxygenation by near-infrared spectroscopy in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome: A proof-of-concept study

INTRODUCTION

Noninvasive markers more accurate than FiO₂ would be useful to assess the severity of RDS and guide its treatment. Our aim was to assess for the first time the possibility of continuously monitoring lung oxygenation (rSO₂ L) by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and to evaluate whether rSO₂ L correlates with other oxygenation indices and RDS severity.

METHODS

We carried out this proof-of-concept study on 20 preterm infants with RDS requiring noninvasive respiratory support. Patients were continuously studied for 24 h by NIRS and rSO₂ L was correlated with SpO₂ /FiO₂ ratio, a/APO₂ , and O.I.

RESULTS

The overall value of rSO₂ L was 80.1 ± 6.2%, without significant differences between the right and left hemithorax (80.2 ± 6.7 vs. 80.0 ± 5.7%; p = 0.869). Mean values of total, right, and left rSO₂ L did not significantly change during the 24-h study period. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant positive relationship between total rSO₂ L and SpO₂ /FiO₂ ratio (p < 0.001) and a/APO₂ (p = 0.040), and a negative relationship between total rSO₂ L and O.I. (r = -0.309; p = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous monitoring of rSO₂ L by NIRS in preterm infants with RDS is feasible and safe. The correlation of rSO₂ L with other indices of oxygenation and RDS severity supports the accuracy and reliability of this measurement.

Impact of Medical Treatment of Hemodynamically Significant Patent Ductus Arteriosus on Cerebral and Renal Tissue Oxygenation Measured by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants

Background and objective: Hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) can cause ductal steal and contribute to poor outcomes in preterm infants. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows us to continuously evaluate regional tissue oxygenation (rSpO2) and perfusion changes in underlying organs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of medical treatment for hsPDA on cerebral and renal rSpO2 in infants less than 32 weeks of gestational age, and older than 72 h of life. Materials and methods: Infants with a gestational age of <32 weeks with hsPDA were prospectively studied before and during medical treatment. Two-site (cerebral and renal) rSpO2 monitoring by NIRS was performed 1 h before treatment (T0) and 24 h (T1), 24−48 h (T2), 48−72 h (T3) after the infusion of the first drug dose. Results: A total of 21 infants were studied. The mean day of life at treatment initiation was 8.2 (SD, 2.75). The DA diameter, LA/Ao ratio, and resistive index in the anterior cerebral artery (RI ACA) were significantly lower after treatment (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in cerebral rSpO2, cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (FTOE), and SpO2 comparing different time points. A significantly higher renal SpO2 value was recorded at T2 as compared with T0 (75.0%, SD 4.9%, vs. 69.4%, SD 7.6%; p < 0.013), while for renal FTOE, a tendency to lower values at T2 was observed (0.18, SD 0.05, vs. 0.24, SD 0.09; p = 0.068). Conclusions: Late (later than 7 days postpartum) hsPDA medical treatment with paracetamol or ibuprofen completely closed the duct only in a small proportion of preterm infants, despite a statistically significant reduction in the DA diameter, LA/Ao ratio, and RI ACA. Continuous renal, not cerebral, NIRS measurements can help to anticipate the efficacy of medical treatment of hsPDA in preterm infants. Large-scale prospective studies are needed to ascertain that renal and cerebral NIRS can be used as a reliable tool for evaluating the effectiveness of medical treatment for hsPDA.

Platelet Count and Volume and Pharmacological Closure with Paracetamol of Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants

Background: Low platelet count might promote resistance to pharmacological closure with indomethacin and ibuprofen of a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA). However, no studies have investigated if this occurs with paracetamol. Methods: We retrospectively assessed the correlation between platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), and plateletcrit (PCT), as well as the effectiveness of paracetamol in closing hsPDA in infants born at 23⁺⁰–31⁺⁶ weeks of gestation who were treated with 15 mg/kg/6 h of i.v. paracetamol for 3 days. Results: We studied 79 infants: 37 (47%) Had closure after a course of paracetamol and 42 (53%) did not. Platelet count and PCT did not correlate with paracetamol success or failure in closing hsPDA, while MPV was lower at birth (10.7 ± 1.4 vs. 9.5 ± 1.1; p < 0.001) and prior to starting therapy (11.7 ± 1.9 vs. 11.0 ± 1.6; p = 0.079) in refractory infants. Regression analysis confirmed that the low MVP measured prior to starting the treatment increased the risk of hsPDA paracetamol closure failure (OR 1.664, 95% CI 1.153–2.401). Conclusions: The greater MPV correlated positively with the effectiveness of paracetamol in closing hsPDA, while platelet count and PCT did not influence closure rates. Additional studies are needed to confirm our results.

Paracetamol Treatment for Patent Ductus Arteriosus, an Apparent Association with Acute Hemolysis in Three Preterm Infants: Case Series

We report three preterm infants who were treated with paracetamol for hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus and developed acute hemolysis. No other apparent cause of acute hemolysis was found during Neonatal Intensive Care Unit hospitalization. All three infants were born within 1 year. As this side effect of paracetamol has not been reported previously and many preterm infants receive paracetamol for PDA closure, we advocate awareness. We cannot be sure whether the hemolysis occurred due to an underlying cause that was augmented by paracetamol or whether the drug itself caused acute hemolysis in these preterm infants.

Qual Deve Ser o Tratamento de Primeira Linha para o Fechamento de Persistência de Canal Arterial Hemodinamicamente Significativo em Bebês Prematuros?

Fundamento

É importante saber qual medicamento usar como tratamento de primeira linha para fechar o duto.

Objetivos

O objetivo deste estudo é comparar a eficácia e os efeitos colaterais das formas intravenosas (IV) de ibuprofeno e paracetamol e contribuir para a literatura investigando o primeiro medicamento selecionado no tratamento clínico da persistência do canal arterial (PCA).

Métodos

Nosso estudo foi realizado entre janeiro de 2017 e dezembro de 2019. Foram incluídos no estudo bebês prematuros com peso ao nascer (PN) ≤1500 g e idade gestacional (IG) ≤32 semanas. No período do estudo, todos os bebês com persistência do canal arterial hemodinamicamente significativa (hsPCA) receberam ibuprofeno intravenoso (IV) como resgate como tratamento clínico primário ou tratamento com paracetamol IV se houvesse contraindicações para o ibuprofeno. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: pacientes que receberam ibuprofeno IV e pacientes que receberam paracetamol IV.

Resultados

Desses pacientes, 101 receberam paracetamol IV e 169 receberam ibuprofeno IV. A taxa de sucesso do fechamento da PCA com o primeiro curso do tratamento foi de 74,3% no grupo de paracetamol IV e 72,8% no grupo de ibuprofeno IV (p=0,212).

Conclusões

Nossos resultados mostram que o paracetamol IV é tão eficaz quanto o ibuprofeno IV no tratamento de primeira linha de hsPCA, podendo se tornar o tratamento preferencial para o controle de hsPCA.

Intravenous paracetamol in comparison with ibuprofen for the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial

Our aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of intravenous (i.v.) paracetamol vs. i.v. ibuprofen for the treatment of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) in preterm infants. This is a multicenter randomized controlled study. Infants with a gestational age of 25⁺⁰-31⁺⁶ weeks were randomized to receive i.v. paracetamol (15 mg/kg/6 h for 3 days) or i.v. ibuprofen (10-5-5 mg/kg/day). The primary outcome was the closure rate of hsPDA after the first treatment course with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Secondary outcomes included the constriction rate of hsPDA, the re-opening rate, and the need for surgical closure. Fifty-two and 49 infants received paracetamol or ibuprofen, respectively. Paracetamol was less effective in closing hsPDA than ibuprofen (52 vs. 78%; P = 0.026), but the constriction rate of the ductus was similar (81 vs. 90%; P = 0.202), as confirmed by logistic regression analysis. The re-opening rate, the need for surgical closure, and the occurrence of adverse effects were also similar.Conclusions: Intravenous paracetamol was less effective in closing hsPDA than ibuprofen, but due to a similar constriction effect, its use was associated with the same hsPDA outcome. These results can support the use of i.v. paracetamol as a first-choice drug for the treatment of hsPDA.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov : NCT02422966, Date of registration: 04/09/2015; EudraCT no: 2013-003883-30. What is Known: • The successful closure of patent ductus arteriosus with oral paracetamol has been recently reported in several preterm infants, but only one randomized controlled study investigated the efficacy of intravenous paracetamol. What is New: • Intravenous paracetamol is less effective in closing hsPDA than ibuprofen, but have a similar constriction effect. • These results can support the use of i.v. paracetamol as a first-choice drug for the treatment of hsPDA.

Prophylactic intravenous paracetamol use in extremely premature infants for patent ductus arteriosus

OBJECTIVES

Patency of ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a very common problem among extremely low birth weight infants (ELBW). Hemodynamic instability caused by PDA is associated with important morbidities. This study aims to evaluate the effects of prophylactic intravenous paracetamol on the hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA).

METHODS

A total of 75 infants of <28 week-gestational age were enrolled into the study which was retrospective. Prophylactic paracetamol as the experimental group and none-prophylaxis group as the control group were compared in the study.

RESULTS

There were 35 subjects in the prophylactic paracetamol group (PPG), and 40 in the control group. Primary outcome measures were ductal closure, ductal diameter, grade 3-4 IVH, and repeated ibuprofen need for the treatment of hsPDA. At the time of the evaluation by echo, hsPDA, and the diameter of the ductus higher than 1 mm were found significantly lower in the PPG (p=0.004 and p=0.013). Additionally, the repeated course of ibuprofen was significantly lower in the PPG (p=0.025). Secondary outcomes were the other perinatal morbidities. According to the results of the study, the male gender is 6.6, and the paracetamol use is 5.5 times more likely to suffer from ROP.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study indicated that prophylactic paracetamol use in ELBW infants decreases the likelihood of hsPDA. The repeated course of ibuprofen for the treatment of hsPDA can be reduced. Furthermore, it can be understood that while prophylactic use of paracetamol is preventive for intraventricular hemorrhage, it does not function in the same way for retinopathy of prematurity or bronchopulmonary dysplasia. It might even worse the retinopathy of prematurity. Further prospective randomized controlled and larger sample-sized studies are needed.

Subgroup analysis of the early paracetamol trial to preterm infants found haemodynamic changes and improved oxygenation

BACKGROUND

We previously reported in a randomised trial that early intravenous paracetamol accelerated contraction of ductus arteriosus in very preterm infants (<32 gestation weeks).

AIMS

To monitor sequentially paracetamol effects on the blood pressure and brain tissue oxygenation in the infants participating the trial.

METHODS

In a double-blind trial, intravenous paracetamol or placebo was infused to 48 very premature infants starting within 24 h of birth for four days. Besides the ductus arteriosus, we systematically measured blood pressure, peripheral (spO₂) and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rcSO₂), and cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE) during the study period.

RESULTS

Compared to the placebo, the paracetamol loading dose transiently decreased the arterial blood pressure. During treatment, the paracetamol-treated infants had higher spO₂ (p = .042) and rcSO₂ (p = .036) values than the placebo group infants. Additionally, the cFTOE values were lower in the paracetamol group during the study without statistical significance. All infants with closed ductus had higher tissue oxygenation and a lower cFTOE than infants with open ductus.

CONCLUSIONS

Paracetamol caused modest haemodynamic effects and increased cerebral oxygenation. They were mostly due to early contraction of ductus. Additional direct drug-effects in brain are not ruled-out.

The efficacy and safety of oral paracetamol versus oral ibuprofen for patent ductus arteriosus closure in preterm neonates - A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the latest evidence on the efficacy and safety of oral acetaminophen compared to oral ibuprofen for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search on topics that assesses the use of oral paracetamol compared to oral ibuprofen in preterm neonates diagnosed with PDA from PubMed, EuropePMC, Cochrane Central Database, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, ClinicalTrials.gov, and hand-sampling from potential articles.

Results

There were 1547 subjects from 10 selected studies. Primary closure rate was similar in both groups. Subgroup analysis on studies enrolling neonates with ≤30 weeks gestational age showed that ibuprofen was superior (OR 0.52 [0.31, 0.90], I²: 0%). On the other hand, paracetamol was superior neonates with ≤34 weeks gestational age (OR 1.73 [1.01, 2.94], I²: 30%). Reopening rate, surgical closure rate, mortality, intraventricular hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis were similar in both groups. Rate of renal dysfunction (OR 0.27 [0.10, 0.77], I²: 0%) and gastrointestinal bleeding (OR 0.31 [0.11, 0.88], I²: 0%) were lower in paracetamol group. Subgroup analysis of randomized controlled studies (RCTs) showed similar results. Meta-regression analysis showed that the primary closure rate was not influenced by gestational age, birth weight, and gender. GRADE demonstrates a low level of certainty for primary closure and mortality. Renal dysfunction and gastrointestinal bleeding havea moderate level of certainty.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference between the efficacy of oral paracetamol and oral ibuprofen. However, the rate of renal dysfunction and gastrointestinal bleeding were higher in oral ibuprofen.

Effect of Fentanyl Boluses on Cerebral Oxygenation and Hemodynamics in Preterm Infants: A Prospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Fentanyl is a commonly used off-label medication for pain control and sedation in preterm infants. Yet, the effect of fentanyl on cerebral hemodynamics in preterm neonates remains unexplored.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of a bolus dose of fentanyl on the regional cerebral oxygen saturation (RcSO2), cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE) and left ventricular output (LVO) as compared with pre-administration baseline in preterm infants.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study conducted in a level III Canadian NICU from September 2017 to February 2019. Preterm infants born <37 weeks of gestation and scheduled to receive a fentanyl bolus (1-2 μg/kg/dose) were eligible. Infants with major congenital anomalies, medically unstable and those who had received fentanyl in the previous 48 h were excluded.

OUTCOMES

The primary outcome was the difference between RcSO2 measured 5 min prior to and RcSO2 measured at defined time points after administration of fentanyl.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight infants were enrolled during the study period (median gestational age 28 weeks; interquartile range [IQR] 25-29 weeks; median birth weight 1,035 g [IQR 830-1,292 g]; median age 4 days [IQR 3-7 days]). Mean (±standard deviation) baseline RcSO2 was 73.6% (±11.8), cFTOE was 21.9 (±11.2) and LVO was 380 (±147) mL/kg/min prior to fentanyl infusion. One-way ANOVA showed no statistically significant difference between baseline and any of the post-fentanyl cerebral oxygenation, tissue oxygen extraction or cardiac output measures (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Administration of fentanyl bolus for procedural pain and sedation was not shown to significantly affect cerebral oxygenation, cerebral tissue oxygen extraction or cardiac output in stable preterm infants.

Findings From Somatic and Cerebral Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Echocardiographic Monitoring During Ductus Arteriosus Ligation: Description of Two Cases and Review of Literature

Background: Preterm infants with hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (HsPDA) are exposed to low cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (rScO₂) values. Additionally, infants requiring surgical ligation are at risk of further changes in cerebral oxygenation and postligation cardiac syndrome (PLCS). Previous studies have assessed the effect of PDA ligation on rScO₂ with variable results. Cases description: In this report we analyse near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and echocardiographic findings of two patients who underwent ligation of PDA and presented low cardiac output. Literature on regional tissue oxygenation saturation (rSO2) before and after PDA ligation was briefly reviewed. Discussion: Cerebral oxygenation values before and after PDA ligation may be influenced by gestational age, vasopressor use, ductal shunt volume, time of exposure HsPDA, chronological age and the presence of cerebral autoregulation. PLCS complicates 28-45% of all PDA ligations and is associated with higher mortality. Cerebral and somatic NIRS monitoring in the postoperative period may enhance the identification of PLCS at early stages. Conclusion: Cerebral oxygenation in the perioperative period of PDA ligation may be influenced by numerous clinical factors. Early detection of PLCS using multisite NIRS after ligation could prevent further alterations in cerebral hemodynamics and improve outcomes. A decrease in somatic-cerebral difference and/or a significant drop in somatic NIRS values may precede clinical signs of hypoperfusion. NIRS values should be interpreted as trends along with echocardiographic findings to guide goal directed interventions.

Renal Tissue Oxygenation Monitoring-An Opportunity to Improve Kidney Outcomes in the Vulnerable Neonatal Population

Adequate oxygenation of the kidney is of critical importance in the neonate. Non-invasive monitoring of renal tissue oxygenation using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a promising bedside strategy for early detection of circulatory impairment as well as recognition of specific renal injury. As a diagnostic tool, renal NIRS monitoring may allow for earlier interventions to prevent or reduce injury in various clinical scenarios in the neonatal intensive care unit. Multiple studies utilizing NIRS monitoring in preterm and term infants have provided renal tissue oxygenation values at different time points during neonatal hospitalization, and have correlated measures with ultrasound and Doppler flow data. With the establishment of normal values, studies have utilized renal tissue oxygenation monitoring in preterm neonates to predict a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus, to assess response to potentially nephrotoxic medications, to identify infants with sepsis, and to describe changes after red blood cell transfusions. Other neonatal populations being investigated with renal NIRS monitoring include growth restricted infants, those requiring delivery room resuscitation, infants with congenital heart disease, and neonates undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Furthermore, as the recognition of acute kidney injury (AKI) and its associated morbidity and mortality in neonates has increased over the last decade, alternative methods are being investigated to diagnose AKI before changes in serum creatinine or urine output occur. Studies have utilized renal NIRS monitoring to diagnose AKI in specific populations, including neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy after birth asphyxia and in infants after cardiac bypass surgery. The use of renal tissue oxygenation monitoring to improve renal outcomes has yet to be established, but results of studies published to date suggest that it holds significant promise to function as a real time, early indicator of poor renal perfusion that may help with development of specific treatment protocols to prevent or decrease the severity of AKI.

Regional tissue oxygenation monitoring in the neonatal intensive care unit: evidence for clinical strategies and future directions

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-based monitoring of regional tissue oxygenation (rSO₂) is becoming more commonplace in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). While increasing evidence supports rSO₂ monitoring, actual standards for applying this noninvasive bedside technique continue to evolve. This review highlights the current strengths and pitfalls surrounding practical NIRS-based monitoring in the neonatal population. The physiologic background of rSO₂ monitoring is discussed, with attention to understanding oxygen delivery/consumption mismatch and its effects on tissue oxygen extraction. The bedside utility of both cerebral and peripheral rSO₂ monitoring in the NICU is then explored from two perspectives: (1) disease/event-specific "responsive" monitoring and (2) "routine," continuous monitoring. Recent evidence incorporating both monitoring approaches is summarized with emphasis on practical applicability in the NICU. Finally, a future paradigm for a broad-based NIRS monitoring strategy is presented, with attention towards improving personalization of neonatal care and ultimately enhancing long-term outcomes.

Efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatments for patent ductus arteriosus closure: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of clinical trials and observational studies

Efficacy and safety profiles of different pharmacological interventions used to treat patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) are relatively unexplored. Integrating the findings of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with those from observational studies may provide key evidence on this important issue. We aimed at estimating the relative likelihood of failure to close the PDA, need for surgical closure, and occurrence of adverse events among preterm and full-term infants treated with indomethacin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen, placebo, or no treatment including both RCTs and observational studies. We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Register of Controlled Trials from inception to October 30, 2018. We first estimated proportions of subjects with failure to close the PDA, subjects in whom surgical closure was performed after pharmacological treatment, death, and subjects with selected adverse events (AEs). These estimates were obtained using frequentist random-effect meta-analysis of arm-specific proportions. We then compared active drugs with each other and with control (either placebo or no treatment) by summarizing results at the end of treatment reported in the papers, regardless of number of administration(s), dose, route and type of administration, and study design and quality. We also summarized primary outcome results separately at first, second and third cycles of treatment. These estimates were obtained using Bayesian random-effects network meta-analysis for mixed comparisons, and frequentist random-effect pairwise meta-analysis for direct comparisons. We included 64 RCTs and 24 observational studies including 14,568 subjects (5339 in RCTs and 9229 in observational studies, 8292 subjects received indomethacin, 4761 ibuprofen, 574 acetaminophen, and 941 control (including placebo or no intervention).The proportion of subjects with failure to close the PDA was 0.24 (95% Confidence Interval, CI: 0.20, 0.29) for indomethacin, 0.18 (0.14, 0.22) for ibuprofen, 0.19 (0.09, 0.30) for acetaminophen, and 0.59 (0.48, 0.69) for control. At end of treatment, compared to control, we found inverse associations between all active drugs and failure to close PDA (for indomethacin Odds Ratio, OR, was 0.17 [95% Credible Interval, CrI: 0.11-0.24], ibuprofen 0.19 [0.12-0.28], and acetaminophen 0.15 [0.09-0.26]), without differences among active drugs. We showed inverse associations between effective drugs and need for surgical closure, as compared to control (for indomethacin OR was 0.28 [0.15-0.50], ibuprofen 0.30 [0.16-0.54], and acetaminophen 0.19 [0.07-0.46]), without differences among drugs. Indomethacin was directly associated with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) (1.27; 1.00, 1.62) compared to ibuprofen, and to oliguria as compared to ibuprofen (3.92; 1.69, 9.82) or acetaminophen (10.8; 1.86, 93.1). In conclusion, active pharmacological treatment, with indomethacin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen, is inversely associated with failure to close the PDA compared to non-treatment. Ibuprofen should be preferred to indomethacin to avoid occurrence of IVH or oliguria, acetaminophen should be preferred to indomethacin to avoid oliguria.

Oral ibuprofen is superior to oral paracetamol for patent ductus arteriosus in very low and extremely low birth weight infants

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) has been proposed as an alternative medication for closing hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). However, the clinical outcomes remain inconclusive in very low birth weight (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of oral paracetamol and ibuprofen for pharmacological closure of PDA in premature infants from a real-world study.This retrospective study enrolled 255 preterm infants with birthweights of ≤1.5 kg, and echocardiographically confirmed significant PDA. Subjects were classified into 3 groups: Group I (standard-dose ibuprofen group) received 10 mg/kg oral ibuprofen followed by 5 mg/kg/day for 2 days. Group II (high-dose ibuprofen group) received 10 mg/kg/day oral ibuprofen for 3 days. Group III (paracetamol group) received 15 mg/kg/6 h oral paracetamol for 3 days.On day 9 after medication start, PDA closure was achieved in 61 (71.7%) patients assigned to the high-dose ibuprofen group, (63.8%) in the standard-dose ibuprofen group, and 33 (37.9%) of those in the oral paracetamol group (P <.001). Oral standard-dose ibuprofen was more effective than oral paracetamol (P = .001). The ductus closed faster in the high-dose ibuprofen group than in the standard-dose group (median closure time 3.9 ± 1.0 versus 4.4 ± 1.0 days, P = .009). Total bilirubin significantly increased in the high-dose ibuprofen group (P = .02). No gastrointestinal, renal, or hematological adverse effects were reported. Subgroup analyses indicated paracetamol was minimally effective in ELBW infants (PDA closure 13%).This study demonstrated that paracetamol may be a poor medical alternative for PDA management in VLBW and ELBW infants. High dosage ibuprofen was associated with a faster clinical improvement and higher rate of PDA closure.

Efficacy and Safety of Paracetamol for Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure in Preterm Infants: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Indomethacin and ibuprofen, two commonly used prostaglandin inhibitors, are the drugs of choice for patent ductus arteriosus. However, paracetamol is an alternative choice when these drugs are ineffective or contraindicated. This study aimed to confirm paracetamol's efficacy and safety compared with those of other drugs or placebos for patent ductus arteriosus closure in premature infants. Methods: We conducted a literature search using the Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases for randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to direct the process and PICO (P, population; I, intervention/interest; C, comparator; O, outcome) principle to constitute the theme. We combined the research data through qualitative summaries or meta-analyses. Results: The final analyses included 15 trials (N = 1,313). No significant differences were noted between paracetamol and ibuprofen except for shorter mean days needed for patent ductus arteriosus closure, lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, and hyperbilirubinemia. No significant difference existed between paracetamol and indomethacin. Oral paracetamol was more effective than placebo in infants weighing 1,501-2,500 g. Conclusions: Our study findings tentatively conclude that paracetamol can induce early patent ductus arteriosus closure without significant side effects but that its efficacy is not superior to that of indomethacin.

Interpretation of Cerebral Oxygenation Changes in the Preterm Infant

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of end-organ tissue oxygenation. The use of NIRS, cerebral NIRS (cNIRS) in particular, in neonatal care has increased significantly over the last few years. This dynamic monitoring technique provides real-time information on the cerebral and haemodynamic status of the neonate and has the potential to serve as an important adjunct to patient care with some centres routinely utilising cNIRS to aid decision-making at the bedside. cNIRS values may be influenced by many variables, including cardiac, respiratory and metabolic parameters, and therefore it is essential to understand the pathophysiology behind alterations in cNIRS values. Correct interpretation is required to direct appropriate patient-specific interventions. This article aims to assist clinicians in deciphering cNIRS values by providing an overview of potential causes of fluctuations in cNIRS values, illustrated by common clinical scenarios, with particular emphasis on the preterm infant.