Hemodynamic and clinical consequences of early versus delayed closure of patent ductus arteriosus in extremely low birth weight infants

To describe changes in hemodynamics, respiratory support, and growth associated with transcatheter PDA closure (TCPC) in ELBW infants, stratified by postnatal age at treatment. This is an observational study of ELBW infants who underwent TCPC at ≤4 weeks (Group-1; n = 34), 4–8 weeks (Group-2; n = 33), and >8 weeks of age (Group-3; n = 33). Hemodynamic assessment was performed during TCPC. Multivariate Cox-proportionate-hazard modeling was used to identify factors associated with respiratory severity score (RSS) > 2 for >30 days following TCPC. In comparison with Group-1, Group-3 infants had higher pulmonary vascular resistance (PVRi = 3.3 vs. 1.6 WU*m2; P = 0.01), less weight gain between 4 and 8 weeks of age (16 vs. 25 g/day) and took longer to achieve RSS   2 for >30 days was associated with TCPC > 8 weeks (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.75–5.8; p = 0.03) and PVRi ≥ 3 (OR = 4.5, 95% CI: 2.7–8.9; p < 0.01). ELBW infants may benefit from PDA closure within the first 4 weeks of life in order to prevent early onset pulmonary vascular disease, promote faster growth, and for quicker weaning of ventilator and oxygen support.