Objective: Evaluate spontaneous closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in extremely preterm infants and their respiratory outcomes, especially at <26 weeks gestational age (GA).
Study design: Retrospective study in <29 weeks, admitted within 24 h after birth (Feb 2015 and Dec 2019). Infants without any intervention to promote ductal closure, ≥1 echocardiography, and alive at discharge were included.
Results: Two hundred and fourteen infants (average GA 26.3 ± 1.5 weeks) were included; 84 (39%) <26 weeks. PDA closed spontaneously in 194 (91%); 76/84 (90%) for infants <26 weeks. PDA closure was ascertained on an echocardiography performed at a median age of 36.4 [34.4-40.1] weeks. Rate of moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia decreased throughout the study period (OR for year of birth: 0.70 [95% CI: 0.57-0.87], p = 0.001).
Conclusion: Majority of extremely preterm infants, including <26 weeks, had spontaneous closure of the ductus before term corrected age. There was a concomitant improvement of respiratory outcomes.
© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature America, Inc.