Platelet Transfusion for Treatment of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Thrombocytopenic Preterm Neonates

Plain-language summary

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common problem in preterm babies. Recently there have been various studies for and against an association between thrombocytopenia and PDA. A meta-analysis published in 2015 showed a marginally significant positive association between PDA and thrombocytopenia but these were all observational studies and there are no randomized controlled trials (RCT) on it. The investigators decided to conduct an RCT to determine whether liberal platelet transfusion criteria achieve earlier PDA closure rates than standard restrictive platelet transfusion criteria among thrombocytopenic preterm neonates (\<35 weeks' gestation) with hemodynamically significant PDA presenting within the first 14 days of life. The investigators primary objective is to determine whether liberal platelet transfusion criteria achieve earlier PDA closure rates within 120 hours compared to standard restrictive platelet transfusion criteria among thrombocytopenic preterm neonates (\<35 weeks' gestation) with hemodynamically significant PDA presenting within the first 14 days of life. The investigators will stratify the study population based on platelet count, i.e \< 50000 and 50000-100000 per microlitre, and will randomly allocate participants to control and intervention group. Babies in the intervention group will receive platelet transfusion to maintain the platelet count above 100,000 per microlitre. Babies in control group will receive platelets only when clinically indicated and as per current standard indications. The investigators will perform an echocardiogram at baseline to document a hemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA) and then serially to look for the closure of PDA. Medical management of PDA will be as per unit policy. The investigators will follow the baby till PDA closes or 120 hours post randomization.

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