Unbound bilirubin does not increase during ibuprofen treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants

J Pediatr. 2012 Feb;160(2):258-264.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2011.07.014. Epub 2011 Aug 27.

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether ibuprofen displaces bilirubin from albumin in preterm infants.

Study design: A total of 34 preterm neonates (<32 weeks gestation) treated by ibuprofen (10-5-5 mg/kg) were included in this prospective open-label study. Total bilirubin (TB), unbound bilirubin (UB), and ibuprofen concentrations were measured before, 1 hour, and 6 hours after the first dose; before and 1 hour after the second dose; and 72 hours after the beginning of treatment. The infants were screened by auditory brainstem responses and by neurologic examination at term.

Results: At baseline, TB, UB, apparent binding affinity of albumin (Ka), and albumin concentrations were 6.0±1.6 mg/dL, 1.9±2.2 μg/dL, 14.1±5.8 L·μmol(-1), and 28.7±2.3 g/L, respectively. Ibuprofen treatment had no effect on TB, UB, or Ka values. No correlation between UB or Ka and ibuprofen concentrations was found. No neurologic symptoms or significant modifications of auditory brainstem responses were observed at term.

Conclusion: Ibuprofen (10-5-5 mg/kg) did not displace bilirubin in preterm infants with a baseline TB concentration <8.8 mg/dL.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Albumins / metabolism
  • Bilirubin / blood*
  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / blood
  • Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / drug therapy*
  • Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem / drug effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ibuprofen / administration & dosage*
  • Ibuprofen / pharmacology*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature / blood
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / blood
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Albumins
  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
  • Bilirubin
  • Ibuprofen