Fluid management in preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus
What is it about?
Optimal fluid management of preterm babies with diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is frequently challenging for neonatal care physician because of lack of adequate studies. There is wide variation in practice across neonatal units, resulting in significant impact on outcomes in extreme preterm babies. A delicate balance is required in fluid management to reduce poor outcome in this population. The purpose of this review is to lay out the current understanding about fluid management in these extreme preterm babies with PDA and highlight areas that require work to be done
Why is it important?
Fluid balance in the first few weeks of life is recognized as an important factor that influences outcomes in extreme preterm babies including death. this becomes more challenging when there is the presence of PDA. Decreasing fluid can also affect growth and nutrition in these babies. Providing adequate nutrition with fluid restriction requires use of formulas which may increase the risk of feeding issues or giving nutrition through a catheter in the blood vessel. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to understand the influence of fluid on changes resulting from PDA.