Closure of the patent ductus arteriosus with ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications in neonates

Abstract. Pharmacological closure of patent ductus arteriosus in pre-term infants with indomethacin has been applied since the late 1970s.  However, because of complications, a search for a safer and efficacious alternative continues.  In this review, we look at the available evidence in the literature for and against closure of the  patent ductus arteriosus with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and we present the results of our own pilot study looking at the safety and efficacy of orally administered ibuprofen on premature infants with clinically significant patent ductus arteriosus.  Key words:  Patent ductus arteriosus, ibuprofen, premature neonates