Indomethacin for closure of patent ductus arteriosus in prematures.

A controlled, double blind trial of indomethacin versus placebo was conducted in prematures of birth weight less than 1750 g, with a murmur of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The dose of indomethacin was 0.2 mg/kg for 2 doses, orally, 24 hours apart. Forty-seven patients entered the trial. Twenty-four received indomethacin and 12 of these met the criteria for response; 23 received the placebo and two met the criteria for response (p less than 0.01). Subsequent surgical ligation for symptomatic PDA was required in 13 of 23 in the placebo group and 4 of 24 in the indomethacin group (p less than 0.01). When administered early, indomethacin is moderately effective in closing PDA in premature infants.