Indomethacin administration is primarily used to close PDA in which patients?

Indomethacin administration is primarily used to close PDA in which patients?

• A. Premature infants
• B. Term infants
• C. Older children
• D. Adults

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that indomethacin closes a patent ductus arteriosus by lowering prostaglandin levels, which keep the ductus open. Indomethacin inhibits cyclooxygenase, reducing prostaglandins (especially PGE2). In premature infants, the ductus arteriosus often remains open after birth because the mechanisms for closing it are immature and prostaglandin levels stay higher. Reducing prostaglandins allows the ductus to constrict and seal off, making pharmacologic closure effective in this group. In term infants, older children, or adults, the ductus is less responsive to prostaglandin inhibition, and PDA closure is less likely with this drug, so other approaches are used.

The main idea is that indomethacin closes a patent ductus arteriosus by lowering prostaglandin levels, which keep the ductus open. Indomethacin inhibits cyclooxygenase, reducing prostaglandins (especially PGE2). In premature infants, the ductus arteriosus often remains open after birth because the mechanisms for closing it are immature and prostaglandin levels stay higher. Reducing prostaglandins allows the ductus to constrict and seal off, making pharmacologic closure effective in this group. In term infants, older children, or adults, the ductus is less responsive to prostaglandin inhibition, and PDA closure is less likely with this drug, so other approaches are used.