Which medication is commonly used to close a patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants?

Which medication is commonly used to close a patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants?

• A. Furosemide
• B. Indomethacin
• C. Metoprolol
• D. Prostaglandin E1

Answer: (B)

Closing a PDA in preterm infants hinges on lowering prostaglandin levels, because prostaglandins keep the ductus arteriosus open after birth. Indomethacin is an NSAID that inhibits cyclooxygenase, which reduces prostaglandin production. With fewer prostaglandins, the smooth muscle around the ductus constricts and the vessel closes, making indomethacin a common first-line choice for pharmacologic PDA closure in preterm babies. Prostaglandin E1, by contrast, preserves ductus patency, which is why it’s used to keep the ductus open in certain congenital heart conditions, not to close it. Furosemide is a diuretic with no direct role in closing the ductus, and metoprolol isn’t used for this purpose either.

Closing a PDA in preterm infants hinges on lowering prostaglandin levels, because prostaglandins keep the ductus arteriosus open after birth. Indomethacin is an NSAID that inhibits cyclooxygenase, which reduces prostaglandin production. With fewer prostaglandins, the smooth muscle around the ductus constricts and the vessel closes, making indomethacin a common first-line choice for pharmacologic PDA closure in preterm babies.

Prostaglandin E1, by contrast, preserves ductus patency, which is why it’s used to keep the ductus open in certain congenital heart conditions, not to close it. Furosemide is a diuretic with no direct role in closing the ductus, and metoprolol isn’t used for this purpose either.