What intervention can be used to assist in closing a PDA in neonates?

Administering ibuprofen is an effective intervention for assisting in the closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in neonates. Ibuprofen belongs to a class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are responsible for keeping the ductus arteriosus open during fetal life. By reducing the levels of these substances, ibuprofen promotes the closure of the PDA, which can be particularly beneficial in premature infants who are at increased risk for this condition.

This approach is supported by clinical guidelines that recommend the use of ibuprofen or indomethacin as the first-line pharmacological treatment for PDA closure in preterm infants. In contrast, other interventions, such as red blood cell transfusions or hydration with normal saline, do not target the underlying mechanism responsible for maintaining the PDA. Chest physiotherapy, while helpful in other contexts, does not have a role in facilitating the closure of a PDA.