Association of hemoglobin and spontaneous closure of the ductus arteriosus during the transitional period in very low birth weight infants

Should we "eliminate" PDA shunt in preterm infants? A narrative review

The patent ductus arteriosus frequently poses a significant morbidity in preterm infants, subjecting their immature pulmonary vascular bed to substantial volume overload. This, in turn, results in concurrent hypoperfusion to post-ductal organs, and subsequently alters cerebral blood flow. In addition, treatment has not demonstrated definitive improvements in patient outcomes. Currently, the optimal approach remains a subject of considerable debate with ongoing research controversy regarding the best approach. This article provides a comprehensive review of existing literature.

Hemoglobin/Red Cell Distribution width Ratio (HRR): A Novel and Promising Red Cell Parameter in Ductal Closure

BACKGROUND

It is still unclear how effective hematological parameters are in the closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim of our study is to investigate the effect of hemoglobin (HB)-to-red cell distribution width (RDW) ratio (HRR) on the closure of PDA.

METHODS

Premature babies with very low birth weight (VLBW: <1500 g) and <32 gestational weeks were included in the study, and all data were recorded retrospectively. Demographic characteristics, clinical results, red cell parameters, and HRR and their ratios were compared between hemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA) and non-hsPDA groups. All results were statically analyzed, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 677 premature babies, 269 in the hsPDA group and 408 in the non-hsPDA group, were included in the study. Hemoglobin (HB), hematocrit (HCT), mean cell volume (MCV), red blood cell (RBC), red cell distribution width (RDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), MCV/RBC ratio, HB/RBC ratio, RDW/RBC ratio, and RDW/MPV ratio were found to be similar between hsPDA and non-hsPDA groups, (p>0.05). HRR was found to be significantly lower in the hsPDA group [median (Quartile 1 (Q1) - Q3) (Q1 - Q3): 0.93 (0.8-1.0)] compared to non-hsPDA [median ( Q1 - Q3): 1.07 (1.0-1.2)] (p<0.001). The AUC for the diagnostic value of HRR in hsPDA was 0.816, and the cutoff value was ≤0.98 (p<0.001, 95% [CI]: 0.785-0.845, sensitivity: 90%, specificity: 92%).

CONCLUSIONS

HRR value was found to be both an effective and powerful parameter in diagnosing hsPDA.