Outcome following patent ductus arteriosus ligation in premature infants: a retrospective cohort analysis
2006

Outcomes of Patent Ductus Arteriosus Ligation in Premature Infants

Sample size: 87 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Leona C Lee, Angela Tillett, Robert Tulloh, Robert Yates, Wilf Kelsall

Primary Institution: NICU, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK

Hypothesis

Does the use of prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors prior to ligation affect outcomes in premature infants undergoing patent ductus arteriosus ligation?

Conclusion

Patent ductus arteriosus ligation is relatively safe, but there is significant late mortality and high morbidity among survivors.

Supporting Evidence

  • Cumulative mortality rates were 2% at 7 days, 8% at 30 days, and 20% at hospital discharge.
  • 77% of infants developed chronic lung disease post-surgery.
  • There was no significant difference in mortality between those who received PSI and those who did not.

Takeaway

This study looked at babies who had surgery to fix a heart problem called patent ductus arteriosus. It found that while most babies survive the surgery, many still have health problems later.

Methodology

A retrospective case note review study was conducted across three hospitals to assess outcomes following PDA ligation.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to missing follow-up data and lack of control groups.

Limitations

The study had incomplete follow-up data and was retrospective, which may affect the reliability of the results.

Participant Demographics

Infants undergoing PDA ligation from three hospitals in the UK, with no significant differences in birth gestation or weight across centers.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.004

Confidence Interval

95% CI for various parameters reported

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2431-6-15

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication