The efficacy and safety of oral paracetamol versus oral ibuprofen for patent ductus arteriosus closure in preterm neonates - A systematic review and meta-analysis

Assessing the safety and adverse effects of paracetamol, ibuprofen, and their combination in paediatric pain and fever management: A prospective observational study

Purpose

Pain and fever are common paediatric complaints that demand meticulous symptom alleviation to ensure the child's holistic well-being. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, and their synergistic coadministration occupy a crucial position, rendering the management of these symptoms efficacious. This study aims to evaluate the safety and adverse effects of paracetamol, ibuprofen, and their combination comprehensively.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Paediatrics, Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences, Mumbai, India. 108 paediatric patients aged 6 months to 18 years experiencing fever, pain, or both. Patients were assigned to receive one of the three medications and were randomized into one of the three groups: paracetamol, ibuprofen, or a combination. Baseline and 48-hour assessments included vital signs, adverse effects, and biochemical markers including SGOT, SGPT, serum creatinine, platelet count, and occult blood in stool samples.

Results

Paracetamol, ibuprofen, and their combination were found to be equally effective in relieving symptoms associated with fever and pain. The most common adverse effect observed was vomiting, with minimal occurrences of rash, cough, and diarrhoea. Biochemical markers, including SGOT, SGPT, serum creatinine, platelet count, and occult blood in stool samples, remained within normal ranges after 48 h of drug administration.

Conclusion

This study affirms the safety of paracetamol, ibuprofen, and their combination for paediatric pain and fever management. Minimal adverse effects and the absence of significant biochemical derangements support their favourable risk-benefit profiles, emphasizing their importance in paediatric clinical practice.

Therapeutic Efficacy and Safety of Paracetamol versus Ibuprofen in Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Newborns: A Systematic Review

Closure of the ductus arteriosus (DA) using cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors is considered the first-line treatment for hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Physiologically, prostaglandins have a recognized role in PDA. Admittedly, the comparative efficacy and safety between ibuprofen and acetaminophen need to be determined for rational choice of drug therapy for closure of the DA in clinical protocols. This study aims to present the aspects of the efficacy and therapeutic safety of paracetamol versus ibuprofen in the treatment of PDA in premature newborns. A systematic review of the literature was carried out, following the recommendations of the PRISMA protocol, using the Medline, Pubmed, LILACS, and SciELO databases. Studies from the last 10 years (2013-2023) that analyzed the efficacy and/or safety of acetaminophen compared to ibuprofen in newborns diagnosed with PDA were included. Eight randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were selected for analysis, resulting in a sample size of 781 newborns with PDA treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. The efficacy of acetaminophen for DA closure is comparable to ibuprofen. There is no statistically significant difference in the incidence of related adverse effects between the two drugs in most studies. There is equivalence in the efficacy and safety of ibuprofen and acetaminophen to promote closure of the DA in premature newborns with hsPDA.

Complexes of Ibuprofen Thiazolidin-4-One Derivatives with β-Cyclodextrin: Characterization and In Vivo Release Profile and Biological Evaluation

Generally, NSAIDs are weakly soluble in water and contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups. One of the most widely used NSAIDs is ibuprofen, which has a poor solubility and high permeability profile. By creating dynamic, non-covalent, water-soluble inclusion complexes, cyclodextrins (CDs) can increase the dissolution rate of low aqueous solubility drugs, operating as a drug delivery vehicle, additionally contributing significantly to the chemical stability of pharmaceuticals and to reducing drug-related irritability. In order to improve the pharmacological and pharmacokinetics profile of ibuprofen, new thiazolidin-4-one derivatives of ibuprofen (4b, 4g, 4k, 4m) were complexed with β-CD, using co-precipitation and freeze-drying. The new β-CD complexes (β-CD-4b, β-CD-4g, β-CD-4k, β-CD-4m) were characterized using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction and a phase solubility test. Using the AutoDock-VINA algorithm included in YASARA-structure software, we investigated the binding conformation of ibuprofen derivatives to β-CD and measured the binding energies. We also performed an in vivo biological evaluation of the ibuprofen derivatives and corresponding β-CD complexes, using analgesic/anti-inflammatory assays, as well as a release profile. The results support the theory that β-CD complexes (β-CD-4b, β-CD-4g, β-CD-4k, β-CD-4m) have a similar effect to ibuprofen derivatives (4b, 4g, 4k, 4m). Moreover, the β-CD complexes demonstrated a delayed release profile, which provides valuable insights into the drug-delivery area, focused on ibuprofen derivatives.

Acetaminophen versus indomethacin for patent ductus arteriosus management in premature infants: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objectives

Acetaminophen has gained interest in the neonatal community for its use in the management of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (HsPDA) in preterm infants. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy and safety of acetaminophen with indomethacin for the management of HsPDA in preterm infants.

Methods

We searched PROSPERO, OVID Medline, OVID EMBASE, Wiley Cochrane Library (CDSR and Central), EBSCO CINAHL, and SCOPUS from inception to June 15, 2021. Bibliographies of identified studies were searched for additional references. Data were analyzed with Review Manager (RevMan) Version 5.3.

Results

Four RCTs were identified, enrolling a total of 380 subjects. There was no difference between the interventions for the outcome of PDA closure after one course (RR 1.04 [95% CIs: 0.84, 1.29], P-value 0.70) or after two courses of treatment (RR 1.01 [95% CIs: 0.92, 1.12], P-value 0.77); and for the outcome of PDA ligation (RR 1.56 [95% CIs: 0.48, 5.12], P-value 0.46). However, patients who received acetaminophen had lower rates of necrotizing enterocolitis (RR 0.37 [95% CIs: 0.14, 0.95], P-value 0.04). There were no significant differences noted in the other clinical outcomes, that is, intraventricular hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity requiring treatment, and death. Two studies noted significant post-treatment elevation of serum creatinine and blood urea with indomethacin, as compared to none with acetaminophen use.

Conclusions

Acetaminophen has comparable efficacy to indomethacin for the outcome of HsPDA closure, with a better safety profile, that is, lesser rates of necrotizing enterocolitis and post-treatment azotemia noted with its use.

Association between Fluid Balance and Treatment Outcome of Ibuprofen for Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants

Background

Excessive fluid intake is a predictor of the development of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants. Previous studies have examined the relationship between fluid intake and outcomes following ibuprofen for PDA. However, there is a lack of data to determine whether fluid balance has an effect on ibuprofen treatment for PDA. Therefore, this study sought to determine the relationship between fluid balance and outcomes following treatment with ibuprofen for PDA.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 110 infants admitted to the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between January 2017 and April 2022, who were treated with ibuprofen for hemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA). We calculated the average fluid balance before and during the two courses of ibuprofen treatment and whether they were significantly associated with outcomes in hsPDA patients.

Results

In the first course of ibuprofen treatment (FIT), responders had lower fluid balance before FIT compared to non-responders [median 31.82 (18.01, 39.66) vs 34.68 (25.31, 43.56) mL/kg/day; p = 0.049], while the fluid balance during FIT [median 40.61 (33.18, 63.06) vs 42.65 (30.02, 57.96) mL/kg/day; p = 0.703] did not differ between responders and non-responders. Fluid balance before the second course of ibuprofen treatment (SIT) (mean 41.58 ± 14.26 vs 35.74 ± 10.99 mL/kg/day; p = 0.322) and during SIT (mean 39.21 ± 12.65 vs 37.00 ± 21.38 mL/kg/day; p = 0.813) was not found to have a significant association with SIT outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed fluid balance before FIT was a predictor for FIT success [Odds ratio (OR): 0.967; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.935-0.999; p = 0.042]. Fluid balance within the first week of life had a greater association with the FIT outcome (OR: 0.967, 95% CI: 0.939-0.996, p = 0.027). Gestational diabetes mellitus and higher Apgar scores decreased the possibility of PDA closure after FIT.

Conclusions

Lower fluid balance before FIT, especially within the first week of life appeared to be a predictor for closure of hsPDA after FIT in preterm infants.

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) for patent ductus arteriosus in preterm or low birth weight infants

BACKGROUND

The different management strategies for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants are expectant management, surgery, or medical treatment with non-selective cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have suggested that paracetamol may be an effective and safe agent for the closure of a PDA.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy and safety of paracetamol as monotherapy or as part of combination therapy via any route of administration, compared with placebo, no intervention, or another prostaglandin inhibitor, for prophylaxis or treatment of an echocardiographically-diagnosed PDA in preterm or low birth weight infants.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and three trials registers on 13 October 2021, and one other database on 1 March 2022. We also checked references and contacted study authors to identify additional studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs and quasi-RCTs in which paracetamol (single-agent or combination therapy) was compared to no intervention, placebo, or other agents used for closure of PDA, irrespective of dose, duration, and mode of administration in preterm infants. Two independent authors reviewed the search results and made a final selection of potentially eligible articles through discussion.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We performed data collection and analyses in accordance with the methods of Cochrane Neonatal. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence for the following outcomes: failure of ductal closure after the first course of treatment; all-cause mortality during initial hospital stay; and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

MAIN RESULTS

For this update, we included 27 studies enrolling 2278 infants. We considered the overall risk of bias in the 27 studies to vary from low to unclear. We identified 24 ongoing studies. Paracetamol versus ibuprofen  There was probably little to no difference between paracetamol and ibuprofen for failure of ductal closure after the first course (risk ratio (RR) 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88 to 1.18; 18 studies, 1535 infants; moderate-certainty evidence). There was likely little to no difference between paracetamol and ibuprofen for all-cause mortality during hospital stay (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.48; 8 studies, 734 infants; moderate-certainty evidence), and for NEC (RR 1.30, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.94; 10 studies, 1015 infants; moderate-certainty evidence). Paracetamol versus indomethacin There was little to no difference between paracetamol and indomethacin for failure of ductal closure after the first course (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.33; 4 studies, 380 infants; low-certainty evidence). There was little to no difference between paracetamol and indomethacin for all-cause mortality during hospital stay (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.92; 2 studies, 114 infants; low-certainty evidence). The rate of NEC may be lower in the paracetamol group (3.7%) versus the indomethacin group(9.2%) (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.96; 4 studies, 384 infants; low-certainty evidence).  Prophylactic paracetamol versus placebo/no intervention Prophylactic paracetamol (17%) compared to placebo/no intervention (61%) may reduce failure of ductal closure after one course (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.42; 3 studies, 240 infants; low-certainty evidence). There was little to no difference between prophylactic paracetamol and placebo/no intervention for all-cause mortality during hospital stay (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.44; 3 studies, 240 infants; low-certainty evidence). No studies reported on NEC.  Early paracetamol treatment versus placebo/no intervention Early paracetamol treatment (28%) compared to placebo/no intervention (79%) may reduce failure of ductal closure after one course when used before 14 days' postnatal age (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.53; 2 studies, 127 infants; low-certainty evidence). No studies reported on all-cause mortality during hospital stay or NEC.  Late paracetamol treatment versus placebo/no intervention  There was little to no difference between late paracetamol and placebo for failure of ductal closure after one course of treatment when used at or after 14 days' postnatal age (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.01; 1 study, 55 infants; low-certainty evidence) or NEC (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.07 to 15.76; 1 study, 55 infants; low-certainty evidence). No data were reported for all-cause mortality during hospital stay.  Paracetamol combined with ibuprofen versus ibuprofen combined with placebo or no intervention There was little to no difference between paracetamol plus ibuprofen compared to ibuprofen plus placebo or no intervention for failure of ductal closure after the first course (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.36; 2 studies, 111 infants; low-certainty evidence). There was little to no difference between paracetamol plus ibuprofen compared to ibuprofen plus placebo or no intervention for NEC (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.45; 1 study, 24 infants; low-certainty evidence). No data were reported for all-cause mortality during hospital stay.  AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Moderate-certainty evidence suggests that there is probably little or no difference in effectiveness between paracetamol and ibuprofen; low-certainty evidence suggests that there is probably little or no difference in effectiveness between paracetamol and indomethacin; low-certainty evidence suggests that prophylactic paracetamol may be more effective than placebo/no intervention; low-certainty evidence suggests that early paracetamol treatment may be more effective than placebo/no intervention; low-certainty evidence suggests that there is probably little or no difference between late paracetamol treatment and placebo, and probably little or no difference in effectiveness between the combination of paracetamol plus ibuprofen versus ibuprofen alone for the closure of PDA after the first course of treatment. The majority of neonates included in these studies were of moderate preterm gestation. Thus, establishing the efficacy and safety of paracetamol for PDA treatment in extremely low birth weight (ELBW: birth weight < 1000 grams) and extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGANs < 28 weeks' gestation) requires further studies.

Comparison of Various Pharmacologic Agents in the Management of Hemodynamically Significant Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm: A Network Meta-Analysis and Risk-Benefit Analysis

Introduction

Various pharmacological treatments are available for preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), but their risks and benefits are controversial. This study aimed to identify the best treatment for PDA using network meta-analysis (NMA) and risk-benefit assessment (RBA).

Methods

Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. RCTs were eligible if they were studied for preterm or low birth weight infants with presymptomatic PDA and hemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA). The outcomes were PDA closure for a benefit and the composite risk outcome of adverse effects (AEs) for risk. An NMA was used to estimate the treatment effects of benefit and risk. The RBA helped to incorporate the risk and benefits of multiple treatments. Then, an incremental risk-benefit ratio was calculated by dividing the incremental risk by benefit using data from NMA, and they were jointly simulated using Monte Carlo methods. Finally, net clinical benefit (NCB) probability curves were constructed at varying acceptability thresholds.

Results

Seventy RCTs with hsPDA were eligible considering 13 different interventions, but data on presymptomatic PDA were not enough for pooling. The clustered ranking plot from NMA indicated that 3 interventions (i.e., high-dose oral ibuprofen, standard-dose oral acetaminophen, and standard-dose oral ibuprofen) yielded high PDA closure and low AE. These three treatments and additional commonly used indomethacin were considered in the RBA. Given an acceptable threshold of 25% or having one AE out of four PDA closures, high-dose oral ibuprofen had a 36% chance of having the highest NCB, followed by standard-dose oral acetaminophen (27%), and oral ibuprofen (23.7%). Subgroup analysis indicated that the chances of having the highest NCB of GA ≥28 weeks were similar to that of all available studies. The best for GA <28 weeks, no data for high-dose oral ibuprofen, was standard-dose oral acetaminophen, followed by standard-dose oral ibuprofen.

Conclusions

Trade-off RBA indicated that high-dose oral ibuprofen might be the best treatment for preterm, GA ≥28 weeks, with hsPDA followed by the standard-dose oral acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Preferably, optimal high doses, postnatal age to start treatment, and long-term outcomes are needed to study in the future.

Different approaches for patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants using acetaminophen

BACKGROUND

Acetaminophen use for pharmacological treatment of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) in preterm infants is becoming more popular with emerging evidence that it is effective as well as safe alternative for other agents used to close hsPDA.

DATA SOURCES

We performed a narrative review of literature about pharmacological treatment of PDA using acetaminophen.

RESULTS

Acetaminophen was used as a prophylaxis, symptomatic, targeted, and a rescue approach.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that acetaminophen could be used in different approaches to close the hsPDA. Long-term outcomes of acetaminophen exposure early in life still lack certainty.

Efficacy and Costs of Three Pharmacotherapies for Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure in Premature Infants

BACKGROUND

The hemodynamic impact of persistent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is associated with neonatal morbidities and mortality in preterm newborns. While there has been considerable debate about optimal management of PDA and its impact on clinical outcomes, there is widespread variation in practice, such as using different pharmacotherapies to achieve closure of hemodynamically significant PDA during the first week of life in very low birth weight infants.

AIMS

The objective was to estimate the efficacy of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and indomethacin with regard to ductal closure and to compare the costs of these three commonly used medications to treat PDA in preterm infants.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Registry were searched for trials from the years 2010-2020. We identified 17 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and 14 case series that enrolled preterm infants < 37 weeks gestational age for inclusion. Pooled estimates of closure rates for acetaminophen (n = 630), ibuprofen (n = 694), and indomethacin (n = 312) were analyzed using the weighted proportion ratio using a Mantel‑Haenszel random effects model. The chi-squared test of proportions was used to determine significance between groups. We accessed cost estimates of pharmacotherapy from the Lexi-Comp average wholesale price database and utilized a decision tree model to appraise cost benefits for the outcome measure of successful PDA closure.

RESULTS

The pooled proportional point estimates of closure rates from RCTs for acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and indomethacin were 70.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 60-80), 63.4% (95% CI 52.8-74.1), and 71.5% (95% CI 62.3-80.7), respectively. There was no significant statistical difference in closure rates when RCTs and uncontrolled case series were combined. Pairwise comparisons showed both acetaminophen and indomethacin were each more effective in closing PDA than ibuprofen (acetaminophen vs indomethacin: p = 0.01; ibuprofen vs indomethacin: p = 0.02; acetaminophen vs indomethacin: p = 0.93). Comparing costs for successful closure of PDA, at the average wholesale price of different medications, suggested that treatment with acetaminophen costs significantly less, with a mean of $1487 (95% CI 1300-1737), compared to ibuprofen, with a mean of $2585 (95% CI 2214-3104), and indomethacin, with a mean of $2661 (95% CI 2358-3052), per course of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis suggests acetaminophen is non-inferior to both indomethacin and ibuprofen, and costs relatively less for successful PDA constriction in premature infants. Further clinical trials are warranted to compare acetaminophen's safety, along with short- and long-term effects, to help resolve the clinical conundrum of the necessity of early treatment in the management of PDA, and the optimal pharmacological course, if indicated.

Comparative safety and efficacy of paracetamol versus non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents in neonates with patent ductus arteriosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIM

Ibuprofen and indomethacin are the preferred drug treatment for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm neonates. The comparative safety and efficacy of paracetamol as an alternative has not yet been well-established. The aim of our study was to define the comparative efficacy and safety of paracetamol versus ibuprofen and indomethacin for PDA METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search in Pubmed, Scopus and Cochrane databases on randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy and/or the safety of paracetamol versus ibuprofen and/or indomethacin and meta-analyzed the available data.

RESULTS

There were 1718 neonates from 20 eligible studies. Paracetamol did not differ from ibuprofen or indomethacin regarding the primary [OR: 0.93 (95% CI: 0.69-1.26), p-value: 0.650, when compared to ibuprofen, and OR: 0.78 (95% CI: 0.20-3.02), p-value: 0.716, when compared to indomethacin] and overall [OR: 1.17 (95% CI: 0.82-1.66), p-value: 0.394, when compared to ibuprofen, and OR: 1.12 (95% CI: 0.58-2.15), p-value: 0.733, when compared to indomethacin] PDA closure rates. Paracetamol resulted in significantly reduced risk of oliguria and a tendency towards less gastrointestinal bleeding.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference between paracetamol and ibuprofen or indomethacin in the PDA closure rates. However, paracetamol caused less adverse effects.

Intravenous acetaminophen (at 15 mg/kg/dose every 6 hours) in critically ill preterm neonates with patent ductus arteriosus: A prospective study

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVES

Acetaminophen has been increasingly used in treating patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm neonates. Variations were observed in the dosing regimen of acetaminophen across the studies. There is hardly any data available for a relatively higher dose of intravenous acetaminophen (15 mg/kg/dose every 6 hours) in the preterm population. We present here the results of a prospective study with this dose of intravenous acetaminophen for treating PDA in critically ill preterm neonates.

METHODS

Preterm neonates (≤37 weeks of gestational age) with haemodynamically significant PDA were enrolled. Intravenous acetaminophen at 15 mg/kg/dose every 6 hours was administered. Echocardiographic monitoring, liver and renal function tests were carried out. Standard definitions were adhered for defining acute kidney injury (AKI) and hepatotoxicity.

RESULTS

Fifty-five neonates were recruited. Following the first dose, less than half had their serum acetaminophen concentrations in the therapeutic range. Extreme preterm neonates were less likely to have a sustained therapeutic acetaminophen concentration after the first dose. Following multiple doses and at steady state, 97.2% and 98.8% respectively were in the therapeutic range. Forty-three (78.2%) neonates had successful closure of the ductus arteriosus of which 22 were extreme preterm, 17 were very preterm and 4 were late preterm neonates; and considering their birthweights, 21 were extremely low, 16 were very low and 6 were low birthweight categories. Ten neonates had elevated alanine aminotransferase levels with three in the low-to-moderate risk of hepatotoxicity category. Eight neonates had altered renal function tests indicating AKI.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Intravenous acetaminophen at 15 mg/kg/dose every 6 hours was efficacious in 78.2% of the preterm neonates with PDA. We observed a lower incidence of hepatotoxicity, and AKI in the study population. No association was observed between the serum acetaminophen concentrations and PDA closure.