An unreported complication of intravenously administered ibuprofen: gastrointestinal bleeding

S.U. Sarici, O. Dabak*, K. Erdinc*, V. Okutan**, M.K. Lenk**

Division of Neonatology and *Department of Pediatrics and **Division of Pediatric Cardiology; Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara (Turkey)

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• Pediatrics

Ibuprofen is used for the closure of ductus arteriosus either intravenously or enterally. Although intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, transient renal failure, oliguria, hyponatremia and thrombocytopenia are reported complications during or after ibuprofen treatment, gastrointestinal bleeding, to our knowledge, has not been reported previously. We herein report a premature newborn, in whom ibuprofen was used intravenously for the closure of ductus arteriosus and gastrointestinal bleeding developed as a complication, and aim to discuss this rare adverse effect. In conclusion, we emphasize the importance of close follow-up of premature newborns during intravenous ibuprofen treatment considering also the other rare systemic side effects reported in the literature.

Corresponding Author: Kemal Erdinç, MD; e-mail: kemalerdinc2005@yahoo.com

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