Study: Early Paracetamol May Speed Closure of Heart Vessel in Preterm Infants
A new pilot study suggests that giving the common painkiller paracetamol intravenously to extremely premature infants shortly after birth could significantly hasten the closure of a critical fetal blood vessel.
The Findings
In a randomized, double-blind trial conducted by the University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, researchers tested the effect of early paracetamol on patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure.
"The median time to ductus arteriosus closure was 3 days in the paracetamol group vs. 14 days in the placebo group."
The study involved 40 infants born before 28 weeks gestation or weighing less than 1 kg. They received either paracetamol or a placebo starting shortly after birth, including a loading dose followed by maintenance doses every six hours for nine days.
- Closure rates were significantly higher in the treatment group: 75% of infants who received paracetamol experienced closure during the study, compared to just 35% in the placebo group.
- Fewer required later treatment: Three infants in the placebo group needed additional treatment for PDA after the study; none in the paracetamol group did.
- Safety was comparable: No differences in adverse events were reported between the two groups.
Understanding the Condition
Patent ductus arteriosus is a condition where the ductus arteriosus—a fetal blood vessel connecting the aorta and pulmonary artery—fails to close after birth. This can increase the risk of illness and mortality in preterm infants.
Important Caveat
This was an early-stage pilot study. Researchers emphasize that larger clinical trials are needed before paracetamol can be recommended for inclusion in standard preventive treatment guidelines.