PDA Management in the First Month in High-Risk Preterm Neonate Clinical Pathway — N/IICU and Inpatient

Clinical Assessment

Respiratory

Mild Moderate Severe
Oxygenation Index (OI) < 7 Oxygenation Index (OI) 7-14 Oxygenation Index (OI) > 14
Occasional episodes of oxygen desaturation, bradycardia or apnea Frequent episodes of oxygen desaturation, bradycardia or apnea  
Respiratory support nCPAP or MAP < 8 Moderate ventilatory requirement (MAP 9-12) or increase in respiratory support High ventilatory requirement or HFV (MAP > 12)
or pulmonary hemorrhage

Cardiovascular

Mild Moderate Severe
Increased pulmonary vascularity confirmed on CXR Cardiomegaly or pulmonary edema confirmed on CXR  
Widened pulse pressure > 20 mmHg Systemic hypotension
Low diastolic or mean BP requiring a single medication for BP support
(cardiotropic agents or steroids)
Hemodynamic instability requiring > 1 medication for BP support
(cardiotropic agents or steroids)

Acidosis

Mild Moderate Severe
Minimal acidosis Unexplained worsening acidosis Acidosis difficult to manage

End Organ

Moderate Severe
Oliguria with plasma creatinine > 0.8 Renal failure
Feeding intolerance with abdominal distention or emesis Concern for NEC