Preliminary Percutaneous Intervention Versus Observational Trial of Arterial Ductus in Low-weight Infants

Preliminary Percutaneous Intervention Versus Observational Trial of Arterial Ductus in Low-weight Infants (PIVOTAL)

This is a pilot study to collect preliminary data for a larger, multicenter clinical trial proposal. The study will examine two strategies commonly used to treat preterm infants diagnosed with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The PDA closes after birth for most term infants, but in many preterm infants, it remains open (patent). A PDA may present a complication for a number of short-term problems faced by preterm infants. Longer-term issues include the development of pulmonary hypertension and changes in the size and performance of the heart. There is ongoing debate as to whether or not the PDA requires intervention.

Preterm infants diagnosed with a hemodynamically-significant patent ductus arteriosus (HSPDA) will be included. Specific criteria will be followed to determine if a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is "hemodynamically significant". Infants will be randomized to two different approaches for management of the PDA. The first will be catheter-based closure (intervention) and the second will be conservative management (non-intervention). Both procedures are standard practice at many institutions, including Nationwide Children's Hospital. Infants randomized to receive intervention will undergo a procedure in which a catheter is used to place an FDA-approved device within the PDA, to close it (like a plug). Infants randomized to the conservative management (non-intervention) group will be permitted time to see if the PDA closes on its own, naturally. However, if the PDA remains open and intervention is deemed medically necessary, they will also undergo the catheter closure procedure.

Maximum age (above) indicates qualifying / eligibility criteria. Participating infants will be followed until they reach 36 weeks corrected gestational age OR are discharged from the hospital, whichever comes first.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Preterm infants ≤28 weeks gestational age with hemodynamically-significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) at 2 - 4 weeks of age.
• Body weight greater than or equal to 700 grams

Exclusion Criteria:

• Significant genetic (ex.- Trisomy) or physiological (ex. - Omphalocele) abnormalities
• Other cardiac disease NOT INCLUDING atrial-septal defects or ventricular septal defects (ex. Tetrology of Fallot, Single ventricle physiology)
• Body weight less than 700 grams