Effects of indomethacin and ibuprofen on mesenteric and renal blood flow in preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of intravenous ibuprofen and indomethacin for treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) on mesenteric and renal blood flow velocity in preterm infants.

STUDY

DESIGN

Seventeen mechanically ventilated preterm infants (<33 weeks' gestation) with PDA received either 0.2 mg/kg indomethacin (n = 8) or 10 mg/kg ibuprofen (n = 9), infused over 15 minutes. Mesenteric and renal blood flow velocity were measured by using Doppler ultrasonography.

RESULTS

Indomethacin caused a significant reduction in mesenteric and renal blood flow velocity 30 minutes after drug administration; mesenteric and renal blood flow velocity did not return to the pretreatment values by 120 minutes. Ibuprofen did not alter blood flow 30 minutes after treatment, and blood flow increased 120 minutes after treatment. Mesenteric and renal blood flow velocity changes were significantly different between the 2 treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with indomethacin, ibuprofen did not significantly reduce mesenteric and renal blood flow velocity.