Background: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a persistent opening between pulmonary artery and aorta leading from the heart.
Aim of study: The aim of this study was to know the most effective route of administration of paracetamol (oral & bolus or continuous infusion) in treatment of patent ductus arteriosus.
Methods: A considerable number of patients (30) who were admitted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Pediatric Department at El- Minya health insurance Hospital, Al-Azhar University Assuit, from May 2022 to October 2022. Our studied newborn was classified into 3 groups according to route of administration of paracetamol. Each group included 10 newborns: group 1 (10 NB) received oral paracetamol, group 2 (10 NB) received bolus IV and group 3 (10 NB) received IV continuous infusion. All included neonates received the same dose 60mg/kg/day for 3 days for oral and IV bolus the dose was divided into 15 mg/kg every 6 h. Paracetamol was started at 4th to 7th day of birth.
Results: There is statistically significant higher closure rate of PDA in infants received bolus IV and IV infusion paracetamol than those received oral paracetamol.
Conclusion: Oral, bolus and continuous infusion administration of paracetamol were safe and effective in the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus. Both standard IV intermittent bolus paracetamol infusion and continuous IV paracetamol infusion were more effective in pharmacologic PDA closure compared with oral paracetamol infusion.