Objective The adequate intestinal blood flow is one of the crucial factors determining their integrity and proper function. We evaluated the effect of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and superior mesenteric artery blood flow velocity on intestinal permeability in premature neonates on the second day of life.

Materials and Methods 45 outborn premature babies (27–32 weeks) were enrolled in the study. Intestinal permeability was measured by the sugar absorption test performed on the second day of life. The ratio of lactulose to mannitol (L/M) in the urine samples was calculated. The diameter of the PDA and the ratio of the left atrium to the aorta (LA/Ao ratio) were assessed on the third day of life. The blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery was measured by pulsed Doppler. The data were expressed as pulsatility index and resistance index.

Results There was found statistically significant correlation between increased permeability and the diameter of the PDA (r  =  0.32, p = 0.030). In addition, higher L/M values were observed in the baby group with LA/Ao ⩽1.4 and the diameter ⩾1.5 mm (p<0.04). Such correlation was not found for analysis value LA/Ao and PDA diameter separately. There was no significant correlation between blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery and intestinal permeability.

Conclusions These results suggest that PDA may cause increased intestinal permeability shortly after birth.