Paediatrics – MCQ 27 – Induced closure of ductus arteriosus

A premature infant is born with a patent ductus arteriosus. In closure can be stimulated by administration of:
a) Prostaglandin analogue
b) Estrogen
c) Anti-estrogen compounds
d) Prostaglandin inhibitors

Correct answer : d) Prostaglandin inhibitors

Normally ductus arteriosus closes soon after birth. Vasodilatory effect of prostaglandin is what maintains the patency of ductus arteriosus in intrauterine life. Hence in cases of delayed closure of ductus arteriosus, we can use prostaglandin inhibitors to induce its closure.