Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine- Department of Pediatrics

This is an observational study conducted on 50 neonates with gestational age <28 weeks to>38 weeks suffering from respiratory distress and having PDA admitted to neonatal ICU units (NICU) in Cairo University Pediatric Hospitals from July 2014 to February 2015. All neonates were subjected to complete history, clinical examination, investigations and comprehensive echocardiographic examination.The studied patients were two groups, group received medical treatment(Ibuprufen 10mg/kg/day followed by 5 mg/kg/day for two days) to close the duct (based on recommendations of medical staff in charge).They were 15 patients represented 30% of all studied patients. The other group didn't received medical treatment, they were 35 patients represented 70% of all studied patients. All studied patients were assessed for clinical and echo-cardiographic criteria at two visits (initial and follow up). Our results showed that there was no statistically significant differences regarding clinical and echocardiographic criteria at 1st visit and no significant difference at 2nd visit except for ductus size where ductus size was smaller in treatment group (p-value 0.03) and LA/aortic ratio was better in treatment group (p-value 0.02) at 2nd visit while clinically there was no statistically significant difference. Our study showed that diagnosis of PDA is a debate and decision to treat or not is a matter of opinion and we need more comprehensive, none individualized and rational approach to make more focused clinical decisions

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