G74 Managing The Patent Ductus Arteriosus – How, When and Who. (4th June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wardle, AJ; Osman, A; Luyt, K; Tulloh, R; Wardle, R
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 98:Supplement 1(2013)
• Page Start: A38
• Page End: A38
• Publication Date: 2013-06-04
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2013-304107.086
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Aim: To compare the differences in the management of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) between neonatologists and paediatric cardiologists in the context of the current evidence base. Method: Consultant and registrar neonatologists and paediatric cardiologists throughout the deanery were contacted via email to complete an online cross-sectional survey collecting quantitative and qualitative data on the management of a neonatal PDA. The survey included 26 points and was largely scenario based. The questionnaire was validated through an initial local pilot. No ethical approval was required. Results: Of the 53 physicians contacted, 20 neonatologists and 26 paediatric cardiologists completed the questionnaire (87% response rate). Paediatric cardiologists are significantly more likely than neonatologists (60% vs 31%; p < 0.05) to use indomethacin as first-line medical management vs. ibuprofen. Furthermore, in complicated treatment refractory cases paediatric cardiologists are significantly more likely to consider ligation than neonatologists, the latter generally preferring a conservative 'no action' management decision(40% vs. 0%; p < 0.05). In addition, with respect to ligation, neonatologists considered haemodynamic effect significantly more important (4.4 ± 0.2 vs. 3.5 ± 0.2; p < 0.05) than paediatric cardiologists, although both neonatologists and paediatric cardiologists regarded patients symptoms as the most important determinant. In terms of knowledge of the current evidence base regarding prognosis there was no significant difference between paediatric cardiologists and neonatologists, however both varied considerably from published data, generally with an overly favourable outlook. Only 3% of respondants felt current guidelines were sufficicent for PDA management. Conclusion: For the first time we have shown that the practises of paediatric cardiologists vary significantly from those of neonatologist when managing a PDA. These differences may reflect a lack of consistent data regarding PDA closure and highlight the need for greater guidance in this controversial area. We have shown such guidance to be in strong demand by physicians. Moreover, such work could facilitate a practise that better reflects the current best-evidence.