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Background: Treatment options for the closure of a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) include medical therapy such as ibuprofen and indomethacin and surgical ligation. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous paracetamol in preterm infants with hsPDA whose feeding was contraindicated or had feeding intolerance. Methods: Preterm infants with hsPDA were started on intravenous paracetamol treatment with parental consent. Paracetamol was administered at a dose of 60 mg/kg/day, in four divided doses, for a period of 3 days. In the absence of closure of hsPDA, treatment was extended up to 6 days, after which echocardiographic examination was performed. Results: A total of 10 preterm infants were included in the study with a median gestational age of 27^4/7 weeks (minimum–maximum: 24–29) and a median birth weight of 775 g (590–990). The first dose of intravenous paracetamol was given after a median of 6 days (2–15). On echocardiographic examination, median internal ductal diameter was 2 mm (1.5–3), with a median left atrium-to-aortic root ratio of 1.95 (1.6–2.2). Intravenous paracetamol resulted in successful closure of hsPDA in all patients. Conclusions: This study is the first case series in the literature which used intravenous paracetamol treatment for hsPDA. We believe that intravenous paracetamol could be used as an alternative drug for infants. Further prospective randomized-controlled trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous paracetamol for the closure of hsPDA.

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Oral ibuprofen is as effective as intravenous ibuprofen for PDA closure even in ELBW infants.

Introduction Haemodynamic changes occurring during the fetal -neonatal transition may impact on global myocardial function in the first week of life. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) offers a novel technique to measure changes in systolic and diastolic function in neonates. Aims To use TDI to assess myocardial function in preterm infants compared to gold standard measures. Methods Preterm infants < 32 weeks gestation were recruited. Echocardiography was carried out by a single observer (KA) using the GE Vivid I, on Day 1, 3-4 and Day 7. Clinical parameters were recorded at time of echocardiogram. Standard M mode echocardiography was used to determine shortening and ejection fraction. Myocardial velocities were obtained using a pulsed wave doppler sample from the lateral mitral/tricuspid annuli and intraventricular septum from an apical four chamber view. Peak systolic (S'), early diastolic (E') and late diastolic (A') velocities were recorded. Results 140 echocardiograms were performed on 60 neonates with structurally normal hearts. Gestational age range-23 +6 -31