Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Preterm Infants Treated with Oral Paracetamol Versus Ibuprofen for Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Objective This study aims to determine the effects of paracetamol versus ibuprofen treatment given to preterm infants for the pharmacological closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) on neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 to 24 months' corrected age. Method A follow-up study was conducted to evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants (gestational age <= 30 weeks) enrolled in a randomized controlled trial comparing oral paracetamol versus oral ibuprofen for the closure of PDA. The developmental assessment was done by using "Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Second Edition" at 18 to 24 months' corrected age. Results A total of 80 infants completed the trial protocol. Of the 75 infants eligible for follow-up, 61 infants (30 in the paracetamol group and 31 in the ibuprofen group) were evaluated. There was no significant difference in neurodevelopmental outcomes between the two groups. Conclusion The neurodevelopmental outcomes did not differ among the preterm infants who receive either paracetamol or ibuprofen at 18 to 24 months' corrected age.