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Paracetamol Treatment of the Borderline Significant PDA

Phase 2
Conditions
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT02819414
Lead Sponsor
Shaare Zedek Medical Center
Brief Summary

The therapeutic approach to the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in the premature neonate remains controversial. Currently it is generally accepted to treat only hemodynamically significant PDAs. The current investigation aims to study the effect of treatment on PDAs of borderline significance via a prospective, randomized controlled trial of paracetamol in this group.

Detailed Description

In the neonatal intensive care unit of the Shaare Zedek Medical Center, preterm babies \<30 wks. GA, are studied echocardiographically on day of life 3-4. Pending parental informed consent, those diagnosed with a PDA of borderline significance will be randomized to receive either paracetamol or placebo for three days, followed by a repeat echocardiogram. If the PDA remains of borderline significance, the treatment will be continued for an additional 4 days (1 week total). Paracetamol levels and liver functions will be assessed after the third day. Babies will be followed until discharge for subsequent PDA pathology; respiratory distress and chronic lung disease \[CLD\]; necrotizing enterocolitis \[NEC\]; retinopathy of prematurity \[ROP\].

The investigators' primary goal is to demonstrate a decrease in the composite outcome of death or severe morbidity chronic lung disease \[CLD\], as shown by decreased time on supplemental oxygen and assisted ventilation.

Secondary goals:

* To demonstrate a decrease in subsequently diagnosed hs PDA, including

* Decrease in the need for subsequent therapy for PDA closure

* Decrease in surgical PDA ligations

* To demonstrate a decrease in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and/or ROP with treatment.

* To demonstrate no adverse effect on blood flow in anterior cerebral, superior mesenteric and renal arteries.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
80
Inclusion Criteria
  • Preterm neonates < 30 weeks' gestational age PDA of borderline significance
Exclusion Criteria
  • Infants not deemed likely to survive more than one week Infants with congenital heart malformations Infants with pulmonary hypertension and right to left ductal shunting

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Control GroupPlaceboTreatment with placebo at a volume of 2.25 cc/kg/dose x 4/day to be given with feeds, or in place of feed when baby is receiving \<2 cc/kg/feed.
Treatment GroupParacetamol dropsTreatment with paracetamol drops at 15 mg/kg/dose x 4/day. Drops will be diluted 1:15 in order to reduce osmolality. This will yield a dose of 2.25 ml/kg/dose, to be given with feeds, or in place of feed when baby is receiving \<2 cc/kg/feed.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Composite outcome of death or severe morbidity chronic lung disease [CLD]Day of life 3 until 40 weeks post-conception

Chronic lung disease will be assessed by time on supplemental oxygen and assisted ventilation.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Subsequently diagnosed hs PDACompletion of study intervention until 40 weeks post-conception

Will be assessed by subsequent need for medical or surgical intervention for closure of PDA

Subsequent incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and/or retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)Completion of study intervention until 40 weeks post-conception

Study infants will be followed clinically and any occurrence of NEC or ROP will be recorded with its level of significance (Bell staging for NEC and Stage of ROP)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Shaare Zedek Medical Center

🇮🇱

Jerusalem, Israel

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