Abstract
Objective This study aims to determine the effects of paracetamol versus ibuprofen treatment
given to preterm infants for the pharmacological closure of patent ductus arteriosus
(PDA) on neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 to 24 months' corrected age.
Method A follow-up study was conducted to evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm
infants (gestational age ≤ 30 weeks) enrolled in a randomized controlled trial comparing
oral paracetamol versus oral ibuprofen for the closure of PDA. The developmental assessment
was done by using “Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Second Edition” at 18 to 24
months' corrected age.
Results A total of 80 infants completed the trial protocol. Of the 75 infants eligible for
follow-up, 61 infants (30 in the paracetamol group and 31 in the ibuprofen group)
were evaluated. There was no significant difference in neurodevelopmental outcomes
between the two groups.
Conclusion The neurodevelopmental outcomes did not differ among the preterm infants who receive
either paracetamol or ibuprofen at 18 to 24 months' corrected age.
Keywords
ibuprofen - neurodevelopmental outcome - paracetamol - patent ductus arteriosus -
preterm infant
