LONG TERM FETAL INDOMETHACIN EXPOSURE AND NEONATAL OUTCOME

Animal studies and isolated human case reports have raised concerns about the possible premature closure of the ductus arteriosus (PDA) and pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) in the fetus exposed to indomethacin (indo). Although short term ( 48 hrs) use have not been well documented. The clinical course of 249 neonates during a 2 year period who were exposed in utero to tocolytic agents was evaluated. 24 pregnant women in preterm labor and failing parenteral tocolytics had indo added to their regimen (200-300 mg/day). Indo was continued until 33 wks. These infants were compared to those who received other tocolytic agents (control). Mean ±SD values for gestational age (GA, wks), duration of tocolytic exposure (Toco, wks), time in utero gained (TG, wks), PPHN, PDA, respiratory distress (RDS), infant mortality (Mort) for indo and control are: