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Inflammatory biomarkers in very preterm infants during early intravenous paracetamol administration

Aikio O, Härmä A, Härkin P, Leskinen M, Valkama M, Saarela T, Salminen A, Hallman M

Early human development, 2021

25 participants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Paracetamol promotes early closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and it may affect inflammation after preterm birth.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between paracetamol treatment and serum inflammatory biomarkers in very preterm infants with respiratory distress.

STUDY DESIGN: The infants were randomly assigned to intravenous paracetamol or placebo during the first 4 days of life, and others received a lower dose of paracetamol unblinded. Serum samples were used for the analysis of 10 cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP) and malondialdehyde (MDA). The impact of paracetamol on the biomarkers was evaluated, based on the levels during the early (<60 h) and the later (60-120 h) postnatal age.

RESULTS: Altogether, 296 serum samples from 31 paracetamol and 25 placebo group infants were analysed. Paracetamol had no effect on cytokine levels during the first 60 h when most induced PDA contractions took place. Later paracetamol treatment was associated with lower serum levels of several cytokines, including interleukin (IL-) 10, interferon gamma-induced protein (IP-) 10, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. CRP levels were lower in the paracetamol group during the early treatment. Amongst the infants who had severe morbidities, MDA was higher (p = .045), regardless of paracetamol treatment.

CONCLUSION: No significant differences in the cytokine levels were evident between the treatment and placebo groups. However, during early…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 25 participants or records.

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