Efficacy and safety of intravenous paracetamol in comparison to ibuprofen for the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants: study protocol for a randomized control trial

Low dose paracetamol for management of patent ductus arteriosus in very preterm infants: a randomised non-inferiority trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of low dose-short course intravenous paracetamol with a conventional dose regimen for early targeted closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

DESIGN

Single-centre, double-blinded, active controlled, randomised non-inferiority trial.

SETTING

Level III neonatal intensive care unit in Western India.

PATIENTS

Preterm infants <30 weeks of gestation requiring mechanical ventilation, or continuous positive airway pressure with FiO₂ ≥0.35 and diagnosed with a haemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA) at 18-24 hours of postnatal age.

INTERVENTIONS

Low dose (10 mg/kg/dose 6 hourly for 72 hours) versus conventional dose (15 mg/kg/dose 6 hourly for 120 hours) intravenous paracetamol treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Comparison of the rates of ductal closure at completion of sixth postnatal day, using a prespecified non-inferiority margin of 20%.

RESULTS

A total of 102 infants were enrolled. The median gestational age and birth weight of the included infants were 26.4 weeks and 830 g. At completion of the sixth postnatal day, closure of PDA was achieved in 92% of infants in the low dose group as compared with 94% of those in the standard dose group (risk difference: -1.6%, 95% CI: -11.6% to 8.5%, p=0.38). The rates of rescue therapies, adverse effects and other neonatal morbidities were comparable in both groups.

CONCLUSION

In very preterm infants on significant respiratory support, low dose-short course intravenous paracetamol treatment was non-inferior to a conventional dosing regime of paracetamol for closure of hsPDA in the first week of postnatal age. Larger studies with narrow margins of non-inferiority are required to confirm our findings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CTRI/2017/10/010012.

Racing against time: leveraging preclinical models to understand pulmonary susceptibility to perinatal acetaminophen exposures

Over the past decade, clinicians have increasingly prescribed acetaminophen (APAP) for patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Acetaminophen has been shown to reduce postoperative opiate burden, and may provide similar efficacy for closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Despite these potential benefits, APAP exposures have spread to increasingly less mature infants, a highly vulnerable population for whom robust pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data for APAP are lacking. Concerningly, preclinical studies suggest that perinatal APAP exposures may result in unanticipated adverse effects that are unique to the developing lung. In this review, we discuss the clinical observations linking APAP exposures to adverse respiratory outcomes and the preclinical data demonstrating a developmental susceptibility to APAP-induced lung injury. We show how clinical observations linking perinatal APAP exposures to pulmonary injury have been taken to the bench to produce important insights into the potential mechanisms underlying these findings. We argue that the available data support a more cautious approach to APAP use in the NICU until large randomized controlled trials provide appropriate safety and efficacy data.

Comparison of Gastrointestinal Complications of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen in the Management of Infants with Patent Ductus Arteriosus: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study

Background:

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one of the more common congenital heart defects in preterm neonates. The closure of PDA can be done with ibuprofen; however, this drug is associated with many contraindications and potential side-effects. In the past years, paracetamol has been proposed for the treatment of PDA. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and gastrointestinal complications of paracetamol and ibuprofen for the pharmacological closure of PDA in preterm infants.

Methods:

In a clinical trial study, 40 preterm infants with echocardiographically confirmed PDA were randomly assigned to receive either paracetamol (n = 23; 15 mg/kg every 6 h for 2 days) or ibuprofen (n = 17; initial dose of 10 mg/kg, followed by 5 mg/kg every 12 h for 2 days). The neonates matched for gestational age and weight. We used t-test for parametric, Chi-square for categorial, and Wilcoxson for nonparametric variables. Significant level was considered less than 0.05.

Results:

Platelet count, BUN and creatinine levels, and closure of PDA had not significant difference between two groups (P > 0.05). Incidence and severity of GI bleeding, feeding intolerance, and NEC were significantly more in infants who received paracetamol than ibuprofen (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

There were no differences in the rate of PDA closure between the two drugs, but with respect to complications, rate and severity of GI bleeding, feeding intolerance, and NEC were significantly more in infants who received paracetamol than ibuprofen. Therefore, paracetamol could not be used as a proper alternative agent for ibuprofen in the treatment of PDA in preterm infants.

Cost-effectiveness of Oral Versus Intravenous Ibuprofen Therapy in Preterm Infants With Patent Ductus Arteriosus in the Neonatal Intensive Care Setting: A Cohort-based Study

PURPOSE

Use of ibuprofen for the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has become increasingly common. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and economic impact of oral ibuprofen versus intravenous ibuprofen for PDA among preterm infants.

METHODS

This retrospective, cohort-based pilot study examined the clinical and economic associations of oral versus intravenous ibuprofen for PDA. A decision-analytic model was constructed, from the hospital perspective, to follow the oral versus intravenous administrations of ibuprofen for PDA and their clinical and economic consequences. The course regimen of either formulation was an initial 10 mg/kg followed by 5 mg/kg at 24- and 48-h intervals. Clinical and resource utilization data were extracted from Cerner medical database, from 2014 through 2018, at the tertiary neonatal intensive care unit setting in Qatar. The primary outcome measures were the rate of successful closure based on the ductal diameter measure after the first course of treatment and the overall direct medical cost of PDA management. A population of 118 neonates was required for results with 80% power and 0.05 significance. Sensitivity analyses involving unit costs and a subgroup analysis based on gestational age and birth weight, added to a second-order probabilistic analysis of all model inputs, were performed.

FINDINGS

Forty infants were available for inclusion in the oral ibuprofen study group, not achieving the desired sample size, with successful PDA closure reported in 64% of cases compared with a reduced success of 36% with intravenous ibuprofen (n = 59) (risk ratio = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.32-0.97; P = 0.04), which was associated with economic advantage to oral ibuprofen. The probabilistic analysis illustrated that oral ibuprofen costs less than intravenous ibuprofen in 72% of patient cases, with QAR 48,751 (US $13,356) (95% CI, QAR 47,500-50,000, US $13,014-$13,699) in mean savings. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of study conclusions and found that the rate of closure success versus failure was the most influential on results, followed by the occurrence of adverse drug events with both intravenous and oral ibuprofen. Although both ibuprofen formulations had similar safety profiles (P = 0.16), the intravenous formulation was associated with a larger number of adverse drug effects.

IMPLICATIONS

This is the first cost-effectiveness evaluation of oral versus intravenous formulations of ibuprofen among infants with PDA. The oral ibuprofen might be associated with an enhanced ductal closure at a considerably lower cost. The study results support recent trends in neonatal intensive care unit practices in favor of the oral administration of ibuprofen.

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.

Paracetamol for patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants: a UK national survey

Introduction: Evidence is emerging that paracetamol is a safe and effective alternative therapy for haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA). Although there is no consensus opinion on its routine use for PDA in preterm infants, paracetamol is being used increasingly in many centres to treat hsPDA.Objective: We conducted a national survey to review the current practice in the UK and the prevalence of paracetamol use for hsPDA closure in preterm infants.Method: A web-based and telephone survey on the use of paracetamol for hsPDA closure in preterm infants was conducted. All neonatal intensive care and local neonatal units across the UK were contacted between May and August 2018.Results: 98% (143/146) neonatal units responded. The first-line medication for hsPDA closure was ibuprofen in 92% (131/143) units. 33% (47/143) of units used paracetamol; three units used it as first-line. The dose and duration of paracetamol varied greatly among the units with a dose of 15 mg/kg 6 hourly in 62% (29/47) units and a duration of 3 and 5 days in 33% (14/42) and 31% (13/42) of units, respectively. 44% (19/43) of units did routine blood investigations using paracetamol for monitoring patients on treatment and 21% (9/43) took paracetamol level in addition to other tests.Conclusion: 33% of the neonatal units across the UK offered paracetamol to treat hsPDA in preterm infants. Currently, there is a variation in practice regarding the dose, duration of paracetamol and monitoring of infants during its use for hsPDA closure. One strategy would be to develop national guidance once strong evidence is established to support its routine use for hsPDA in preterm infants.

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.

Low-dose intravenous acetaminophen versus oral ibuprofen for the closure of patent ductus arteriosus in premature neonates

Background:

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common disease in premature neonates, which could occur in up to 50% of the neonates weighting <1000 g. PDA might induce hemodynamic and respiratory disorders and increase mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of oral ibuprofen and a low dose of intravenous acetaminophen in the management of PDA.

Materials and Methods:

This randomized double-blind clinical trial was conducted on the preterm neonates with an equal gestational age of <34 weeks and weight of >1000 g with symptomatic PDA, who were admitted in Shahid Beheshti and Al-Zahra Hospitals Affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. In total, 40 preterm neonates were examined, 20 of whom received 15 mg/kg/6 h of intravenous acetaminophen for 2 days and 20 infants received 10 mg/kg of intravenous ibuprofen on the 1^st day and 5 mg/kg for the next 2 days, and the results include vital signs and echocardiography findings were compared.

Results:

In the acetaminophen and ibuprofen groups, 16 (80%) and 17 neonates (85%) responded (PDA closure rate) to the treatment, respectively (P = 0.68). Furthermore, acetaminophen and ibuprofen have a similar effect on vital signs. Both drugs did not change in blood pressure, but they reduced the respiratory rate and heart rate after treatment.

Conclusion:

Low-dose acetaminophen compared to ibuprofen has an equal effectiveness in the closure of PDA.

[Abdominal surgery in premature infants with patent ductus arteriosus]

INTRODUCTION

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is considered a risk factor for necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) and other gastrointestinal complications in preterm infants. The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a higher incidence of abdominal surgery and the associated morbidity and mortality in preterm infants who require treatment due to a significant PDA.

METHODS

An observational study was conducted that included preterm infants with <37 weeks of gestational age, and a diagnosis of PDA in the last 10 years. Depending on the treatment received, the patients were divided into 3 groups: medical (A), medical and surgical (B), and no treatment (C). An analysis was performed on the pre- and peri-natal variables, as well as the incidence of gastrointestinal complications (NEC, and need for surgery for this reason), and overall mortality.

RESULTS

The study included a sample of 144 patients, of whom 91 were assigned to group A, 16 to B, and 37 to C. The mean gestational age by groups was 28, 26.7, and 30.1 weeks, respectively. The mean birth weight was 1083.9 gr, 909.3 gr, and 1471.2 gr, respectively. As regards the incidence of NEC, a total of 21, 5, and 5 cases, respectively, were found in each group, with 43%, 60% and 35%, respectively requiring abdominal surgery. Mortality by groups was 12%, 19%, and 3%, respectively CONCLUSION: Patients who required treatment for a significant PDA had a higher incidence of gastrointestinal complications and higher mortality than untreated patients, with no statistically significant differences being found. In the group of patients that required treatment, lower gestational age and birth weight, could explain the increase in morbidity and mortality found in these patients.

A pilot randomised blinded placebo-controlled trial of paracetamol for later treatment of a patent ductus arteriosus

OBJECTIVE

To explore the efficacy and risks of oral paracetamol in later (>2 weeks old) treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

STUDY DESIGN

A multicentre double-blind placebo-controlled randomised pilot trial in three neonatal intensive care units in Australia. Infants born <33 weeks with haemodynamically significant PDA were treated with a 5-day course of oral paracetamol or placebo. Cardiac ultrasounds were used to document haemodynamic parameters. The primary outcome analysed was ductal closure by 48 h after treatment completion. Secondary outcomes included reduction in ductal diameter >25% and safety.

RESULTS

Fifty-five infants were enrolled, of whom 27 received paracetamol and 28 placebo. Eighty percent had received previous non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Mean postnatal age was 25 days. Four of the 27 ducts treated with paracetamol closed vs. 0/28 treated with placebo (p = 0.05). An additional 13/27 given  paracetamol vs. 7/28 given placebo showed significant constriction (p = 0.008). No adverse effects were observed .

CONCLUSIONS

There was some evidence of increased closure with oral paracetamol at postnatal age >2 weeks; however, the overall efficacy was not high.

The dark side of ibuprofen in the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus: could paracetamol be the solution?

INTRODUCTION

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) persistence is associated, in prematures, to several complications. The optimal PDA management is still under debate, especially regarding the best therapeutic approach and the time to treat. The available drugs are not exempt from contraindications and side effects; ibuprofen itself, although representing the first-choice therapy, can show nephrotoxicity and other complications. Paracetamol seems a valid alternative to classic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs, with a lower toxicity. Areas covered: Through an analysis of the published literature on ibuprofen and paracetamol effects in preterm neonates, this review compares the available treatments for PDA, analyzing the mechanisms underlining ibuprofen-associated nephrotoxicity and the eventual paracetamol-induced hepatic damage, also providing an update of what has been yet demonstrated and a clear description of the still open issues. Expert Opinion: Paracetamol is an acceptable alternative in case of contraindication to ibuprofen; its toxicity, in this setting, is very low. Lower doses may be effective, with even fewer risks. In the future, paracetamol could represent an efficacious first-line therapy, although its safety, optimal dosage, and global impact have to be fully clarified through long-term trials, also in the perspective of an individualized and person-based therapy taking into account the extraordinary individual variability.

Efficacy of Paracetamol in Closure of Ductus Arteriosus in Infants under 32 Weeks of Gestation

BACKGROUND

Standard medical treatment for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure has been indomethacin/ibuprofen or surgical ligation. Up to date, new strategies have been reported with paracetamol. The aim of this study was to present our experience with intravenous paracetamol for closing PDA in preterm neonates presenting contraindication to ibuprofen or ibuprofen had failed and no candidates for surgical ligation because of huge instability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective case series study in a neonatal intensive care unit from a tertiary hospital. 9 preterm infants ≤32 weeks of gestational age with hemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA) were enrolled. They received 15 mg/kg/6h intravenous paracetamol for ductal closure. Demographic data and transaminase levels before and after treatment were collected.

RESULTS

30 preterm babies were diagnosed of hsPDA. 11/30 received ibuprofen with closure in 81.1%. 9 received intravenous paracetamol mainly due to bleeding disorders or thrombocytopenia. Successful closure on paracetamol was achieved in seven of nine babies (77.7%). There was a significant increase in transaminase levels in two patients. They required no treatment for normalization.

CONCLUSION

Paracetamol is an effective option in closure PDA. It should be a first-line therapeutic option when there are contraindications for ibuprofen treatment. Transaminases must be checked during treatment.

Paracetamol in Patent Ductus Arteriosus Treatment: Efficacious and Safe?

In preterm infants, failure or delay in spontaneous closure of Ductus Arteriosus (DA), resulting in the condition of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), represents a significant issue. A prolonged situation of PDA can be associated with several short- and long-term complications. Despite years of researches and clinical experience on PDA management, unresolved questions about the treatment and heterogeneity of clinical practices in different centers still remain, in particular regarding timing and modality of intervention. Nowadays, the most reasonable strategy seems to be reserving the treatment only to hemodynamically significant PDA. The first-line therapy is medical, and ibuprofen, related to several side effects especially in terms of nephrotoxicity, is the drug of choice. Administration of oral or intravenous paracetamol (acetaminophen) recently gained attention, appearing effective as traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in PDA closure, with lower toxicity. The results of the studies analyzed in this review mostly support paracetamol efficacy in ductal closure, with inconstant low and transient elevation of liver enzymes as reported side effect. However, more studies are needed to confirm if this therapy shows a real safety profile and to evaluate its long-term outcomes, before considering paracetamol as first-choice drug in PDA treatment.