BACKGROUND: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin plays an important role in renal dysfunctions. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that indomethacin used in treating patent ductus arteriosus protects infants from renal dysfunction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study assessed data on urine prostaglandin metabolites, urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and the renal functions of preterm infants with confirmed patent ductus arteriosus who had been injected with indomethacin (n=144, ID group) or acetaminophen (n=144, AP group).

RESULTS: A reduction of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in urine samples was found in the ID group (993±48 µG/L vs. 103±5 µG/L, p<0.0001). The reduction in prostaglandin (673±32 pg/mL vs. 139±7 pg/mL, p<0.0001) and the closure of ductus (2.64±0.89 mm vs. 2.31±0.81 mm, p=0.001) were found in the ID group after the first dose of indomethacin, but the closure of ductus (2.47±0.54 mm vs. 2.32±0.55 mm, p=0.02) and prostaglandin reduction (667±31 pg/mL vs. 129±7 pg/mL, p<0.0001) were found after the second dose of acetaminophen. Indomethacin had greater effect in reducing the risk of acute kidney injury than did acetaminophen (p=0.042).

CONCLUSIONS: Indomethacin treatment used in treating patent ductus arteriosus protects infants from renal dysfunction.

Keywords: Acetaminophen, Arbaprostil, Ductus Arteriosus, Patent, Indomethacin, Intensive Care, Neonatal, Neutrophils, Acute Kidney Injury, Cohort Studies, Infant, Newborn, Infant, Premature, Infant, Premature, Diseases, Lipocalin-2, Prospective Studies, Prostaglandins