Early versus late indomethacin treatment for patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome

Objective: To compare efficacy and side effects of early versus late indomethacin treatment for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants. Methods: One hundred twenty-seven neonates receiving ventilatory assistance (gestational age: 26-31 weeks) with PDA confirmed by echocardiography were randomly assigned in a prospective multicenter trial to either early (day 3, n = 64) or late (day 7, n = 63) intravenous indomethacin treatment (3 × 0.2 mg/kg every 12 hours). Treatment history and side effects were registered. Results: The PDA closure rate was higher in the early treatment group at both 6 (73% vs 44%, P =.0008) and 9 days of age (91% vs 78%, P =.047). However, there was no significant difference in PDA ligation. Urine output was significantly lower (P