The Use of B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) to Predict Closure of a Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in Premature Infants

A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is associated with increased morbidity in premature infants. Standard indomethacin treatment is associated with intestinal and renal morbidity. B-type natriuretic peptide is elevated in significant PDAs. This study will determine whether BNP guided therapy could reduce doses of indomethacin.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Infants with echocardiographically confirmed PDA
• Infants determined by attending physician to require PDA closure

Exclusion Criteria:

• infants with congenital hearts disease
• infants with creatinine value > 2.0