Nonintervention Matches Ibuprofen for Preterm PDA at Two Years

This prespecified two-year follow-up of a randomized trial offers pediatric pharmacists rare randomized long-term data suggesting that withholding oral ibuprofen for hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus does not compromise growth or neurodevelopment.

ibuprofencyclooxygenase inhibitorsNSAIDspatent ductus arteriosusprematurityneurodevelopmentneonatologyrandomized controlled trialconservative management Pediatric Pharmacy

Background Information

Is early PDA closure in preemies really necessary?

Managing patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants is controversial, and understanding long-term outcomes aids in treatment decisions. No significant differences in growth or neurodevelopmental impairment at 2 years between nonintervention (NI) and ibuprofen (IBU) groups; some spontaneous closures of PDA occurred. The study suggests nonintervention is as safe as ibuprofen treatment for PDA in preterm infants, with similar long-term outcomes, questioning the need for routine pharmacologic closure. Nonintervention is a clinically safe option for managing PDA in preterm infants.

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Authors: Sung SI, Yang M, Ahn SY, Chang YS, Park WS

Citation: Sung SI, Yang M, Ahn SY, et al. Two-Year Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Trial of Nonintervention Versus Oral Ibuprofen for Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Premature Infants. Journal of Korean medical science. 2026;41(25):e182. doi:10.3346/jkms.2026.41.e182

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI

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Executive Summary

Study Design

Patient Population

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes & Safety Profile

Pharmacist Implications

Clinical Pearls

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