Archives of disease in childhood
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There remains a need for alternative medical treatments for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure in extreme preterm neonates because of therapeutic failure and adverse effects associated with non-selective cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors. Reports of an association between paracetamol exposure and PDA closure in a limited number of extreme preterm neonates have been published. ⋯ Although paracetamol appears an effective and safe analgesic in term and near term neonates, its effectiveness and safety for PDA closure are uncertain because the drug is administered in high doses and there remain a limited number of observations in this specific subpopulation so far. Prospective comparative trials are reasonable and are urgently needed to establish both the effectiveness and safety data of paracetamol when used for this indication.