L S Lai1, B W McCrindle. 1. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To determine variations in neonatology practice regarding the diagnosis and management of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants. DESIGN: Standardized telephone interview of preferences and practices. SUBJECTS: Canadian neonatologists in active clinical practice. RESULTS: Of 136 eligible Canadian neonatologists, 100 respondents (74%) estimated the proportion of infants with suspected PDA who have echocardiography to be a median of 80% (range 0% to 100%), with considerable variation both within and between centres. Only two centres had written guidelines. More recent medical school graduates were significantly more likely to use echocardiography. Increased use of echocardiography was also significantly related to increased availability. Fluid restriction and indomethacin was used as initial therapy by 89% of respondents, with the indomethacin dose standardized for 83%; surgical ligation was used when indomethacin therapy was contraindicated or had failed. Personal guidelines directed decisions regarding therapy for the majority of neonatologists. CONCLUSIONS: Among Canadian neonatologists, there is considerable variation regarding practices related to the diagnosis and management of PDA in premature infants. This variation may potentially affect the cost effectiveness of care for these patients.
OBJECTIVES: To determine variations in neonatology practice regarding the diagnosis and management of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants. DESIGN: Standardized telephone interview of preferences and practices. SUBJECTS: Canadian neonatologists in active clinical practice. RESULTS: Of 136 eligible Canadian neonatologists, 100 respondents (74%) estimated the proportion of infants with suspected PDA who have echocardiography to be a median of 80% (range 0% to 100%), with considerable variation both within and between centres. Only two centres had written guidelines. More recent medical school graduates were significantly more likely to use echocardiography. Increased use of echocardiography was also significantly related to increased availability. Fluid restriction and indomethacin was used as initial therapy by 89% of respondents, with the indomethacin dose standardized for 83%; surgical ligation was used when indomethacin therapy was contraindicated or had failed. Personal guidelines directed decisions regarding therapy for the majority of neonatologists. CONCLUSIONS: Among Canadian neonatologists, there is considerable variation regarding practices related to the diagnosis and management of PDA in premature infants. This variation may potentially affect the cost effectiveness of care for these patients.
Entities:
Keywords:
Echocardiography; Indomethacin; Neonatologists; Patent ductus arteriosus; Practice variations
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