Background Incidence of patent ductus arteriosus in neonates is 30–60% depending on the degree of prematurity. Although patent ductus arteriosus is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in preterm infants, there is a wide variation in management of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants.

Methods We reviewed of our 22 year experience from 1992 to 2013 in all neonates diagnosed with a haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus at the University Hospital of Wales. Haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus is described as: (1) left atrium/aortic ratio of >1.5, (2) significant left heart volume overloading, (3) bounding femoral pulses, (4) hyperactive precordium and (5) persistent ventilator requirements.

Results A total of 200 cases were eligible. The results are summarised in the Table 1:

Pharmacological treatment = Treatment with either Indomethacin or Ibuprofen

Conclusion There were no significant differences in NEC, IVH, CLD or death between treatment and no-treatment group despite the former cases being at lower gestations with lower birth weights. Our result may lend further support towards non-surgical management of patent ductus arteriosus with medication if treatment is not considered to be contraindicated.