Abstract
Indomethacin, a non-specific prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, has been advocated for use in a variety of areas including obstetrics. It rapidly crosses the placenta and significant concentrations occur in fetal blood and amniotic fluid. The present study was designed to determine the effects of indomethacin on near-term fetuses of mongrel dogs. Fetuses removed by Caesarian section (following maternal administration of 1 mg/kg/day indomethacin for 7 days prior to anticipated delivery) were fully developed but nonviable. Some placental separation was found on Caesarian section, and this was the major gross abnormality observed. In-utero closure of the ductus arteriosus was considered a possible cause of death but autopsies of the animals failed to confirm this. The ducti of the fetuses were found to be either of the same caliber as the pulmonary artery or only partially constricted (to the extent that the lumen was approximately one-half that of the pulmonary artery). The lungs had the appearance of normal unborn lungs. Since signs of obvious maternal complications were absent, it is probable that fetal demise was the result of the administration of the indomethacin. Autopsy findings demonstrated that in-utero closure of the ductus arteriosus was likely not the responsible factor.
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Parks, B., Rawson, J., Douglas, B. et al. IN-UTERO DEATH AS A POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCE OF PRENATAL ADMINISTRATION OF INDOMETHACIN. Pediatr Res 11, 419 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00301
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00301