Changes of mechanics of breathing in newborns after pharmacological ligation of persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA)

: In this paper we introduced results of pulmonary function measurements (PFM) at newborns with persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA). 18 newborns with PDA were examined, all treated in Department of Neonatology, Poznan (mean birth weight 1186.4 +/- 187.1 g; mean gestational age 28.3 +/- 3.6 wks). PDA was defined by clinical criterions and Doppler echocardiographic studies. Pharmacological treatment was provided with indomethacin 0.2 mg/kg every 12 hours. PFM (pneumotachometric method) was done before pharmacological treatment, after three doses of indomethacin and 7 days after beginning of cure. We noted significant increase of mechanical tidal volume (p < 0.05) and drop of mean airway pressure (p < 0.05) after treatment. In all PFM we observed greater efficiency of treatment and greater dynamics of changes in PFM in group of newborns with higher birth weight (1000-1750 g vs. 501-999 g).