Key result
Oral paracetamol shows no difference versus oral ibuprofen for PDA closure but reduces closure time.
Why the study?
Available evidence comparing oral paracetamol versus oral ibuprofen for the closure of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants needed review.
Does oral paracetamol improve the primary closure rate of patent ductus arteriosus compared to oral ibuprofen in preterm infants?
Population
240 preterm infants across two randomized trials
Comparison
Oral paracetamol vs oral ibuprofen
Design
Meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors
Loading...
Paracetamol offers no primary PDA closure advantage over ibuprofen in preterm infants; low-quality meta-analysis leaves open faster closure as hypothesis-generating.
Meta-Analysis (n=240)
Does oral paracetamol improve the primary closure rate of patent ductus arteriosus compared to oral ibuprofen in preterm infants?
Current evidence is of low quality and insufficient to definitively recommend oral paracetamol over oral ibuprofen for PDA closure in preterm infants, though paracetamol may offer faster closure and a better safety profile.
Das et al. (2014) conducted a meta-analysis in Patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants (n=240). Oral paracetamol vs. Oral ibuprofen was evaluated on Primary closure rate of PDA after the first course of the drug. Oral paracetamol showed no significant difference compared to oral ibuprofen for primary PDA closure in preterm infants, but reduced the mean days needed for closure (MD -0.49; 95% CI -0.54 to -0.44).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: