Abstract
Background We analyzed the feasibility and outcomes of early surgical ligation in very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs) with hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (HSPDA) and investigated predictors for surgical treatment after unsuccessful medical management. Methods Medical records from the neonatal intensive care unit of Hanyang University Seoul Hospital from January 2010 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. 233 VLBWIs with HSPDA were enrolled in our study. Of these infants, 134 underwent surgical ligation and were subdivided into the early ligation group (n = 49; within 10 days of age) and the late ligation group (n = 85; after 10 days of age). Results The mean gestational age and birth weight were significantly lower in the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation group than in the Non-ligation group (p < 0.001). PDA ductal diameter > 2.0 mm (p < 0.001), low Apgar score at 5 minutes (p = 0.033), and chorioamnionitis (p = 0.037) were the predictors for receiving surgical treatment for PDA. Early ligation was significantly associated with a low incidence of culture-proven sepsis (p = 0.004), mechanical ventilator time > 4 weeks (p = 0.007), necrotizing enterocolitis stage (NEC) ≥ III (p = 0.022), and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) grade ≥ III (p = 0.035). Conclusions Early surgical ligation minimizes adverse effects of HSPDA in predicted infants who subsequently require surgical treatment for PDA. We suggest that predicted VLBWIs with HSPDA that is unresponsive to medical treatment should avoid delayed ductal closure to reduce severe NEC, severe IVH, culture-proven sepsis, and facilitate earlier endotracheal extubation.
Outcome Following Surgical Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Very Low Birth Weight Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
