First dose of ibuprofen for patent ductus arteriosus of preterm infants: a comparison of 10mg/kg and ≦ 5mg/kg

Abstract

 The standard first dose of ibuprofen for patent ductus arteriosus of preterm infants is 10mg/kg. However, there has been no report investigating the effect and side effects if ibuprofen first dose was ≦ 5mg/kg.

 We compared the urine output of pre- and post-first ibuprofen therapy, serum creatinine level, and therapy effect up to three doses between the standard（first dose 10mg/kg）and low（first dose 3‒5mg/kg）dose groups. Consequently, the urine output of post-ibuprofen therapy significantly decreased in the standard dose group and had no significant change in the low dose group. Serum creatinine levels mildly elevated in both groups. Efficacy rate up to three doses was not different between both groups（66.7% vs 81.5%）.

 As low-dose ibuprofen therapy does not decrease urine output and has equivalent effect compared with the standard therapy, it is a valuable treatment method for patent ductus arteriosus.