Unlabelled

We surveyed neonatal leadership at 46 US children's hospitals via web-based survey to identify local preferences and concerns regarding indomethacin prophylaxis, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment, and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation. We received a 100 % survey response (N = 46). Practice guidelines for prophylactic indomethacin were reported at 28 % of NICUs, for NSAID treatment of PDA at 39 % and for surgical ligation at 27 %. Respondents noted intra-institutional practice variation for indomethacin prophylaxis (33 %), NSAID treatment (70 %), and PDA ligation (73 %). The majority of institutions did not prescribe indomethacin prophylaxis (72 %). For PDA treatment, indomethacin was preferred over ibuprofen (80 %). We validated our survey results via comparison with billing data as documented in the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database, finding that survey responses directly correlated with local billing data (p < 0.0001). At institutions that did not typically administer NSAIDs for PDA closure or surgical PDA ligation, a lack of evidence for their effectiveness in improving long-term outcomes and the risk of treatment-associated adverse effects were the most often cited reasons.

Conclusion

No consensus exists among providers at US children's hospitals regarding prophylactic indomethacin, NSAID treatment, or PDA ligation. Lack of evidence and safety concerns play a prominent role.

What is known

• NSAIDs and surgical PDA ligation are efficacious in preventing intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and closing PDA in preterm infants, but have not been shown to improve long-term respiratory, neurodevelopmental, or mortality outcomes. What is New: • Practice preferences for indomethacin prophylaxis, NSAID, and surgical PDA treatment vary both among and within institutions. Lack of treatment effectiveness and the risk of adverse effects are major concerns.