Oral versus intravenous paracetamol: which is better in closure of patent ductus arteriosus in very low birth weight infants?

OBJECTIVES To compare the efficacy of oral and intravenous paracetamol for closure of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (HSPDA) in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. METHODS Eighteen VLBW infants with HSPDA treated with either intravenous (n = 10) or oral (n = 8) paracetamol at 60 mg/kg/d for three consecutive days were analysed retrospectively. Ductal closure rate and evaluation of liver function tests were the major outcomes. RESULTS After two courses of treatment, HSPDA closure rate was higher in oral paracetamol group than that in the intravenous paracetamol group (88% versus 70%), but it was not statistically significant (p = 0.588). Liver function tests were normal after the treatment. CONCLUSION Although it was not statistically significant, the cumulative closure rates were higher in oral paracetamol group than those in the intravenous group. Larger trials are needed to confirm these data.