Obstetrical Advantages and Perinatal Risks of Indomethacin: A Report of 818 Cases

In a series of 818 patients treated with indomethacin during pregnancy, the rate of perinatal complications was 1.8%. The risk was increased to 13% if indomethacin was being taken at the time of delivery, and when treatment was prolonged. The serious nature of certain complications (persistence of fetal circulation and oligo/anuria) means that indomethacin should only be used in cases in which betamimetic drugs are formally contraindicated or if there is a risk of unacceptable prematurity. Even in such cases, indomethacin should only be given for short period (