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Pediatric Surgery International Jul 2012The optimal timing of ostomy closure is a matter of debate. We performed a systematic review of outcomes of early ostomy closure (EC, within 8 weeks) and late ostomy... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The optimal timing of ostomy closure is a matter of debate. We performed a systematic review of outcomes of early ostomy closure (EC, within 8 weeks) and late ostomy closure (LC, after 8 weeks) in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis.
METHODS
PubMed, EMbase, Web-of-Science, and Cinahl were searched for studies that detailed time to ostomy closure, and time to full enteral nutrition (FEN) or complications after ostomy closure. Patients with Hirschsprung's disease or anorectal malformations were excluded. Analysis was performed using SPSS 17 and RevMan 5.
RESULTS
Of 778 retrieved articles, 5 met the inclusion criteria. The median score for study quality was 9 [range 8-14 on a scale of 0 to 32 points (Downs and Black, J Epidemiol Community Health 52:377-384, 1998)]. One study described mean time to FEN: 19.1 days after EC (n = 13) versus 7.2 days after LC (n = 24; P = 0.027). Four studies reported complication rates after ostomy closure, complications occurred in 27% of the EC group versus 23% of the LC group. The combined odds ratio (LC vs. EC) was 1.1 [95% CI 0.5, 2.5].
CONCLUSION
Evidence that supports early or late closure is scarce and the published articles are of poor quality. There is no significant difference between EC versus LC in the complication rate. This systematic review supports neither early nor late ostomy closure.
Topics: Enterocolitis, Necrotizing; Humans; Infant; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Ostomy; Postoperative Complications; Time Factors
PubMed: 22526553
DOI: 10.1007/s00383-012-3091-9 -
Neonatology 2012Pharmacological closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is commonly achieved by intravenous (IV) administration of ibuprofen or indomethacin. Occasionally, oral... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Oral ibuprofen versus intravenous ibuprofen or intravenous indomethacin for the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Pharmacological closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is commonly achieved by intravenous (IV) administration of ibuprofen or indomethacin. Occasionally, oral ibuprofen is used for PDA treatment although its efficacy and safety are unclear.
OBJECTIVES
To systematically review randomized and quasi-randomized trials comparing oral ibuprofen with IV ibuprofen or IV indomethacin for closure of PDA in preterm infants.
METHODS
The standard search methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group were used.
RESULTS
We identified two studies (n = 166) of good methodological quality comparing oral ibuprofen with IV ibuprofen and three small trials (n = 92) of moderate methodological quality comparing oral ibuprofen to IV indomethacin. Meta-analysis showed higher PDA closure rate of oral ibuprofen versus IV ibuprofen but no difference between oral ibuprofen and IV indomethacin. Meta-analysis did not indicate a significant difference in adverse effects.
CONCLUSION
Oral ibuprofen for PDA closure appears to be as effective as IV ibuprofen and IV indomethacin. Due to small sample size, lack of data in extremely preterm neonates, and methodological limitations of reviewed trials, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn. Randomized trials with a low risk of bias and adequate sample size in extremely preterm infants are urgently needed.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent; Humans; Ibuprofen; Indomethacin; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Infusions, Intravenous; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 22414850
DOI: 10.1159/000335332 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Feb 2012Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) accounts for 25% of all leukaemias and is the most common lymphoid malignancy in Western countries. Standard treatment includes... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) accounts for 25% of all leukaemias and is the most common lymphoid malignancy in Western countries. Standard treatment includes mono- or poly-chemotherapies. Nowadays, monoclonal antibodies are added, especially alemtuzumab and rituximab. However, the impact of these agents remains unclear, as there are hints of an increased risk of severe infections.
OBJECTIVES
To assess alemtuzumab compared with no further therapy, or with other anti-leukaemic therapy in patients with CLL.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL and MEDLINE (from January 1985 to November 2011), and EMBASE (from 1990 to 2009) as well as conference proceedings for randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Two review authors (KB, NS) independently screened search results.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included RCTs comparing alemtuzumab with no further therapy or comparing alemtuzumab with anti-leukaemic therapy such as chemotherapy or monoclonal antibodies in patients with histologically-confirmed B-cell CLL. Both pretreated and chemotherapy-naive patients were included.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used hazard ratios (HR) as an effect measure for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) and risk ratios (RRs) for response rates, treatment-related mortality (TRM) and adverse events. Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed the quality of trials.
MAIN RESULTS
Our search strategies led to 1542 potentially relevant references. Of these, we included five RCTs involving 845 patients. Overall, we judged the quality of the five trials as moderate. All trials were reported as randomised and open-label studies. However, two trials were published as abstracts only, therefore, we were unable to assess the potential risk of bias for these trials in detail. Because of the small number of studies in each analysis (two), the quantification of heterogeneity was not reliable.Two trials (N = 356) assessed the efficacy of alemtuzumab compared with no further therapy. One trial (N = 335), reported a statistically significant OS advantage for all patients receiving alemtuzumab (HR 0.65 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45 to 0.94; P = 0.021). However, no improvement was seen for the subgroup of patients in Rai stage I or II (HR 1.07; 95% CI 0.62 to 1.84; P = 0.82). In both trials, the complete response rate (CRR) (RR 2.61; 95% CI 1.26 to 5.42; P = 0.01) and PFS (HR 0.58; 95% CI 0.44 to 0.76; P < 0.0001) were statistically significantly increased under therapy with alemtuzumab. The potential heterogeneity seen in the forest plot could be due to the different study designs: One trial evaluated alemtuzumab additional to fludarabine as relapse therapy; the other trial examined alemtuzumab compared with no further therapy for consolidation after first remission.There was no statistically significant difference for TRM between both arms (RR 0.57; 95% CI 0.17 to 1.90; P = 0.36). A statistically significant higher rate of CMV reactivation (RR 10.52; 95% CI 1.42 to 77.68; P = 0.02) and infections (RR 1.32; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.74; P = 0.04) occurred in patients receiving alemtuzumab. Seven severe infections (64%) in the alemtuzumab arm in the GCLLSG CLL4B study led to premature closure.Two trials (N = 177), evaluated alemtuzumab versus rituximab. Neither study reported OS or PFS. We could not detect a statistically significant difference for CRR (RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.67 to 1.08; P = 0.18) or TRM (RR 3.20; 95% CI 0.66 to 15.50; P = 0.15) between both arms. However, the CLL2007FMP trial was stopped early due to an increase in mortality in the alemtuzumab arm. More serious adverse events occurred in this arm (43% versus 22% (rituximab), P = 0.006).One trial (N = 297), assessed the efficacy of alemtuzumab compared with chemotherapy (chlorambucil). For this trial, no HR is reported for OS. Median survival has not yet been reached, 84% of patients were alive in each arm at the data cut-off or at the last follow-up date (24.6 months). The TRM between arms shows no statistical significant difference (0.6% versus 2.0%; P = 0.34). Alemtuzumab statistically significantly improves PFS (HR 0.58; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.77; P = 0.0001), time to next treatment (23.3 compared with 14.7 months; P = 0.0001), ORR (83.2% versus 55.4%; P < 0.0001), CRR (24.2% versus 2.0%; P < 0.0001), and minimal residual disease rate (7.4% versus 0%; P = 0.0008) compared with chlorambucil. Statistically, significantly more asymptomatic (51.7% versus 7.4%) and symptomatic cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections (15.4% versus 0%) occurred in the patients treated with alemtuzumab.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
In summary, the currently available evidence suggests an OS, CRR and PFS benefit for alemtuzumab compared with no further therapy, but an increased risk for infections in general, CMV infections and CMV reactivations. The role of alemtuzumab versus rituximab still remains unclear, further trials with longer follow-up and overall survival as primary endpoint are needed to evaluate the effects of both agents compared with each other. Alemtuzumab compared with chlorambucil seems to be favourable in terms of PFS, but a longer follow-up period and trials with overall survival as primary endpoint are needed to determine whether this effect will translate into a survival advantage.
Topics: Alemtuzumab; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; Antineoplastic Agents; Chlorambucil; Humans; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rituximab; Vidarabine
PubMed: 22336834
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008078.pub2 -
Ibuprofen for the prevention of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm and/or low birth weight infants.The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2011Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) complicates the clinical course of preterm infants and increases the risk of adverse outcomes. Indomethacin has been the standard... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) complicates the clinical course of preterm infants and increases the risk of adverse outcomes. Indomethacin has been the standard treatment to close a PDA but is associated with renal, gastrointestinal and cerebral side-effects. Ibuprofen has less effect on blood flow velocity to important organs.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic ibuprofen compared to placebo/no intervention in the prevention of PDA in preterm infants.
SEARCH STRATEGY
Randomized controlled trials of prophylactic ibuprofen were identified by searching in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and trials registries in December 2010.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing ibuprofen with placebo/no intervention or other cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor drugs to prevent PDA in preterm and/or low birth weight infants.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Outcomes data including presence of PDA on day three, need for surgical ligation or rescue treatment with cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors, mortality, intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), renal, pulmonary and gastrointestinal complications were extracted. Meta-analyses were performed and treatment estimates are reported as typical weighted mean difference, relative risk (RR), risk difference (RD) and, if statistically significant, number needed to treat to benefit (NNT) or number needed to treat to harm (NNH) along with their 95% confidence intervals (CI).
MAIN RESULTS
In this update, seven studies (n = 931) comparing prophylactic ibuprofen with placebo/no intervention are included. Ibuprofen decreased the incidence of PDA on day three [typical RR 0.36 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.46); typical RD -0.27 (95% CI -0.32 to -0.21); NNT 4 (95% CI 3 to 5)], decreased the need for rescue treatment with cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors and decreased the need for surgical ligation. Results from two studies administering oral ibuprofen had similar results, but showed an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (NNH 4, 95% CI 2 to 17). In the control group the spontaneous closure rate was 58% by day three. Ibuprofen negatively affects renal function. No significant differences in mortality, IVH, chronic lung disease were found.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Prophylactic use of ibuprofen decreased the incidence of PDA, decreased the need for rescue treatment with cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors and decreased the need for surgical closure. In the control group, the PDA closed spontaneously by day three in 58% of the neonates. Prophylactic treatment exposes many infants to a drug that has concerning renal and gastrointestinal side effects without conferring any important short-term benefits and is not recommended. Until long-term follow-up results are published from the trials included in this updated review, no further trials of prophylactic ibuprofen are recommended.
Topics: Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent; Enzyme Inhibitors; Humans; Ibuprofen; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 21735396
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004213.pub3 -
Clinical Therapeutics Sep 2010The persistence of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants complicates their clinical course and may contribute to increased morbidity. Intravenous... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The persistence of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants complicates their clinical course and may contribute to increased morbidity. Intravenous preparations of ibuprofen constitute one of the standard therapies for closure of a PDA. However, the unavailability of intravenous ibuprofen in certain regions of the world and the availability of inexpensive oral preparations has led to off-label nasogastric administration of oral ibuprofen in preterm infants with PDA.
OBJECTIVE
This article reviews and comments on the evidence for the enteral use of oral formulations of racemic ibuprofen for PDA closure in preterm infants, with a focus on the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
METHODS
MEDLINE, Current Contents, and Google Scholar were searched in April 2010 for trials of enteral ibuprofen in the treatment of PDA in preterm or low-birth-weight infants using the terms treatment, pharmacokinetics, ibuprofen, oral, enteral, patent ductus arteriosus, PDA, preterm, premature, low birth weight, infant, and newborn. Relevant congress Web sites were also searched for relevant abstracts.
RESULTS
The literature search identified 2 pharmacokinetic studies involving 32 infants and 13 clinical efficacy studies involving 306 infants treated with enteral ibuprofen. The clinical studies reported some benefit for enteral ibuprofen relative to the comparators. However, these studies had methodologic limitations, including small numbers of subjects, lack of blinding, inclusion of preterm infants with a higher gestational age, customized treatment regimens, and second-order statistical error that prevented conduct of a systematic review. When the results of all studies were pooled, NEC was reported in a total of 46 of 281 infants (16%) receiving enteral ibuprofen and 21 of 83 infants (25%) receiving indomethacin. This rate of NEC with enteral ibuprofen was twice that reported for intravenous ibuprofen in a recent meta-analysis (27/356 [8%]).
CONCLUSIONS
The evidence supporting the off-label use of enteral ibuprofen for PDA in preterm infants is weak. Well-designed, appropriately powered pharmacologic and controlled clinical studies are needed before use of enteral ibuprofen can be recommended. In countries where an intravenous formulation of racemic ibuprofen is approved, off-label use of enteral racemic ibuprofen cannot be supported.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Clinical Trials as Topic; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent; Humans; Ibuprofen; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 21194597
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2010.08.011 -
Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal... Jan 2011To evaluate the effects of indomethacin or ibuprofen compared with placebo on closure, morbidity and mortality in preterm infants <37 weeks' gestation with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effects of indomethacin or ibuprofen compared with placebo on closure, morbidity and mortality in preterm infants <37 weeks' gestation with echocardiographically and/or clinically important patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) at >24 h of life.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov, controlled-trials.com, American Pediatric and European Paediatric Research Societies and Effective Care of the Newborn Infant.
REVIEW METHODS
Systematic review with network meta-analysis of randomised studies comparing intravenous indomethacin, ibuprofen or placebo for PDA in preterm infants at >24 h of life.
RESULTS
Ten trials compared intravenous indomethacin versus intravenous ibuprofen, nine intravenous indomethacin versus placebo and one intravenous ibuprofen versus placebo. Both intravenous indomethacin (pooled RR 2.39 (95% CI 2.05 to 2.78)) and intravenous ibuprofen (RR 2.40 (95% CI 2.03 to 2.84)) closed a PDA more effectively than placebo. Intravenous ibuprofen was associated with approximately 30% greater risk of chronic lung disease than intravenous indomethacin (RR 1.28 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.60)) or placebo (RR 1.29 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.70)). Differences in risk or benefit were not significant between any combination of intravenous indomethacin, intravenous ibuprofen or placebo groups for intraventricular haemorrhage, necrotising enterocolitis and death. Reporting on neurological outcomes was insufficient for pooling.
CONCLUSIONS
Intravenous indomethacin or ibuprofen administered to preterm infants for PDA at >24 h of life promoted ductal closure, but other short-term benefits were not seen. Treatment with intravenous ibuprofen may increase the risk of chronic lung disease. Good-quality evidence of treatment effect on morbidity, mortality and improved neurodevelopment is urgently needed.
Topics: Cardiovascular Agents; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent; Female; Humans; Ibuprofen; Indomethacin; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Male; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 20876595
DOI: 10.1136/adc.2009.168682 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2010Persistent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is associated with mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. Prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors such as indomethacin promote... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Persistent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is associated with mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. Prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors such as indomethacin promote PDA closure but also have potential side effects. The effect of the prophylactic use of indomethacin, where infants who may not have gone on to develop a symptomatic PDA would be exposed to indomethacin, warrants particular scrutiny.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effect of prophylactic indomethacin on mortality and morbidity in preterm infants.
SEARCH STRATEGY
The standard search strategy of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group was used. This included searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 5, 2010), MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL (until April 2010), conference proceedings, and previous reviews.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials that compared prophylactic indomethacin versus placebo or no drug in preterm infants.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
The standard methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group were used, with separate evaluation of trial quality and data extraction by two review authors.
MAIN RESULTS
Nineteen eligible trials in which 2872 infants participated were identified. Most participants were very low birth weight, but the largest single trial restricted participation to extremely low birth weight infants (N = 1202). The trials were generally of good quality.The incidence of symptomatic PDA [typical relative risk (RR) 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38 to 0.50] and PDA surgical ligation (typical RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.37,0.71) was significantly lower in treated infants. Prophylactic indomethacin also significantly reduced the incidence of severe intraventricular haemorrhage (typical RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.82). Meta-analyses found no evidence of an effect on mortality (typical RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.12) or on a composite of death or severe neurodevelopmental disability assessed at 18 to 36 months old (typical RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.90, 1.15).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Prophylactic indomethacin has short-term benefits for preterm infants including a reduction in the incidence of symptomatic PDA, PDA surgical ligation, and severe intraventricular haemorrhage. However, there is no evidence of effect on mortality or neurodevelopment.
Topics: Cardiovascular Agents; Cerebral Hemorrhage; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent; Humans; Indomethacin; Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; Injections, Intravenous; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 20614421
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000174.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2010Indomethacin is used as standard therapy to close a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) but is associated with reduced blood flow to several organs. Ibuprofen, another... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Indomethacin is used as standard therapy to close a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) but is associated with reduced blood flow to several organs. Ibuprofen, another cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, may be as effective as indomethacin with fewer side effects.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effectiveness and safety of ibuprofen compared to placebo or no intervention for closing a PDA in preterm and/or low birth weight infants. To determine the effectiveness and safety of ibuprofen compared to other cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors for closing a PDA in preterm and/or low birth weight infants.
SEARCH STRATEGY
MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, the reference lists of identified studies, meta-analyses and personal files were searched in December 2009.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials of ibuprofen for the treatment of a PDA in newborn infants.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data collection and analysis conformed to the methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group.
MAIN RESULTS
Twenty studies are included in this review (6 studies added in this update). One study (n = 136) compared ibuprofen to placebo. Ibuprofen reduced the composite outcome of infant deaths, infants who dropped out or required rescue treatment [RR 0.58 (95% CI 0.38, 0.89); RD -0.22 (95% CI -0.38, -06); NNTB 5 (95% CI 3,17)]. Failure rates for PDA closure with ibuprofen compared to indomethacin was reported in 19 studies (n = 956 infants). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups [typical RR 0.94 (95% CI 0.76, 1.17)]; typical RD -0.02 (95% CI -0.07, 0.04); I(2) = 0%]. The risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was reduced for ibuprofen [15 studies (n = 865); typical RR 0.68 (95% CI 0.47, 0.99); typical RD -0.04 (95% CI -0.08, -0.00; (p = 0.04); NNTB 25 (95% CI 13, infinity); I(2) = 0%]. There is less evidence of transient renal insufficiency in infants who receive ibuprofen compared to indomethacin. No other important differences were noted for common neonatal morbidities. Oro-gastric administration of ibuprofen appears as effective as i.v. administration.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Ibuprofen is effective in closing a PDA. Ibuprofen is as effective as indomethacin in closing a PDA and reduces the risk of NEC and transient renal insufficiency. Given the reduction in NEC noted in this update, ibuprofen currently appears to be the drug of choice. Studies are needed to evaluate the effect of ibuprofen compared to indomethacin treatment on longer term outcomes in infants with PDA.
Topics: Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent; Humans; Ibuprofen; Indomethacin; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 20393936
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003481.pub4 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2008Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. Prophylactic indomethacin results in favorable intermediate... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. Prophylactic indomethacin results in favorable intermediate outcomes such as reduction of significant PDA, need for surgical ligation, severe intraventricular hemorrhage and serious pulmonary hemorrhage without modifying long-term neurosensory outcomes. Little is known about the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic surgical closure of the PDA in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.
OBJECTIVES
To identify and summarize evidence from randomized controlled trials investigating the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic surgical ligation of the PDA on mortality and morbidities of preterm infants less than 1000 g at birth as compared to no prophylaxis or prophylactic cyclooxygenase inhibitors.
SEARCH STRATEGY
The standard search strategy for the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group was performed by two review authors. Searches were made of MEDLINE (1966 to December 2006), EMBASE (1980 to December 2006), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2006), and abstracts of annual meetings of the Society for Pediatric Research (1995 - 2006). Contacts were made with the authors of published articles.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized or quazi-randomized controlled trials that enrolled infants less than 28 weeks gestation or less than 1000 g at birth who are on assisted ventilation and/or supplemental oxygen without clinical signs of hemodynamic significance of the ductus arteriosus were considered. Trials addressing prophylactic surgical ligation of the patent ducts arteriosus (i.e. procedure done during the first 72 hours of life) versus no intervention or cyclooxygenase inhibitor prophylaxis were included. The primary outcome was bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Other important short and long-term neonatal outcomes were also considered.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Standard methods of the Cochrane Collaboration and its Neonatal Review Group were used to assess the methodologic quality of the trials. Retrieved articles were assessed for eligibility and data was abstracted independently by two reviewer authors. Where data were incomplete, the primary investigators were contacted for further information and clarifications. For dichotomous outcomes, relative risk (RR) and its associated confidence interval were calculated. For continuous outcomes, treatment effect was expressed as mean difference and its calculated standard deviation. When appropriate, meta-analysis of pooled data was performed assuming a fixed effect model
MAIN RESULTS
Only one eligible study that enrolled 84 ELBW infants was identified. The prophylactic group had ductal ligation performed within 24 hours of life following a pre-specified protocol, while the control group received standard care without indomethacin. Prophylactic surgical ligation of the PDA resulted in a statistically significant reduction of severe stage II or III necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), [RR 0.25, 95% CI (0.08,0.83), p value 0.02, NNT 5]. The study found no statistically significant difference in mortality, severe grade III and IV intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), BPD, and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Of note, the study was unblinded and underpowered to detect clinically important differences in the above mentioned outcomes.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Prophylactic surgical ligation of the PDA did not decrease mortality or BPD in ELBW infants. A significant reduction of stage II or III NEC was noted. Based on the current evidence, the high rate of spontaneous closure, availability of effective safe medical therapies, and the potential short and long-term complications of surgical ligation, the use such prophylactic surgical therapy is not indicated in the management of the preterm infants.
Topics: Ductus Arteriosus, Patent; Humans; Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Ligation
PubMed: 18254095
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006181.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2008Indomethacin is a prostaglandin inhibitor used for the prevention and the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Although a 3-dose schedule has been commonly used,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Indomethacin is a prostaglandin inhibitor used for the prevention and the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Although a 3-dose schedule has been commonly used, there is no consensus on optimal dosage and duration of indomethacin therapy for PDA closure. There are potential adverse effects of indomethacin use in premature infants such as a reduction in cerebral, mesenteric and renal blood flow and platelet dysfunction. Administering indomethacin continuously over 36-hours has been suggested as a safer and more effective option to prevent such adverse effects.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the efficacy and safety of continuous infusion versus bolus administration of indomethacin in closing a symptomatic PDA in preterm infants.
SEARCH STRATEGY
The standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal Review was used: MEDLINE and EMBASE (1966 - March 2007), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2007), bibliographies of reviews and trials were examined for references to other trials, previous symposia proceedings published in Pediatric Research (Pediatric Academic Societies Annual Meeting Abstract Book, 1972 - 2006). No language restrictions were applied.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing continuous indomethacin infusion to bolus doses for closure of a symptomatic PDA in preterm infants with a symptomatic PDA diagnosed clinically and/or by echocardiography.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
The methodological quality of each study was assessed. Authors were contacted regarding missing data as well as to inquire about the outcomes that were not reported. Meta-analysis was performed to calculate relative risk (RR), risk difference (RD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
MAIN RESULTS
Only two small trials comparing continuous versus bolus indomethacin were eligible. Analysis of these studies showed that, although the primary outcome of PDA closure on days two and five slightly favored bolus administration, there was no statistical difference between the two groups. The estimates for PDA closure were RR 1.57 (95% CI 0.54, 4.60), RD 0.10 (95% CI -0.13, 0.33) for day 2 and RR 2.77 (95% CI 0.33, 23.14), RD 0.15 (95% CI -0.13, 0.42) for day five. There was no statistical difference between the bolus and continuous groups for the secondary outcomes of reopening of PDA, neonatal mortality, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). These analyses were based on a very small number of events reported by these trials. None of the trials reported on outcomes such as requirement for retreatment with indomethacin or surgical ligation, mortality, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), neurodevelopmental outcome and isolated intestinal perforation. The review demonstrated that there was a decrease in cerebral blood flow velocity after bolus injections and that the difference between the bolus and continuous infusion groups remained significant for 12 - 24 hour. In one study (Christmann 2002), the decrease in blood flow was maximum at 10 minutes [MD -46.40 (95% CI -75.41, -17.39)], while the other study (Hammerman 1995) reported a maximum drop at 30 minutes [MD -55.60 (95% CI -62.92, -48.28)]. Similar decrease in blood flow to the renal and mesenteric circulations following bolus administration was reported in one study (Christmann 2002). In both of these circulations, the decrease was maximum 30 minutes after the bolus injection [typical estimates for renal and mesenteric circulations, respectively: MD -42.00 (95% CI -76.59, -7.41) and MD -26.50 (95% CI -45.34, -7.66)] and lasted about two hours. None of the trials detected predefined levels of decreased urine output and increased levels of BUN and creatinine.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Due to a paucity of events and lack of precision, the available data was found to be insufficient to draw conclusions regarding the efficacy of continuous indomethacin infusion versus bolus injections for the treatment of PDA. Although continuous indomethacin seems to cause less alterations in cerebral, renal and mesenteric circulations, the clinical meaning of this effect is unclear. Definitive recommendations about the preferred method of indomethacin administration i.e. continuous versus bolus infusions for the treatment of PDA in premature infants cannot be made based on the current findings of this review.
Topics: Blood Flow Velocity; Cerebrovascular Circulation; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent; Humans; Indomethacin; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Infusions, Intravenous; Injections, Intravenous; Prostaglandin Antagonists; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 18254092
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006071.pub2