Precision Dosing of Oral Ibuprofen for PDA, A Pilot RCT

Study Design Overview: This clinical trial is a single-center, pilot, randomized, controlled, triple-blind study designed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of model-informed precision dosing (MIPD) of oral ibuprofen compared to standard dosing for the treatment of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in preterm neonates (≤27+6 weeks gestational age). The trial assesses both operational feasibility and clinical outcomes, with a focus on the use of a pharmacokinetic (PK) prediction module provided by the Web-Accessible Population Pharmacokinetics Service-PDA (WAPPS-PDA). • Standard Dosing Arm: Participants in this arm receive the standard oral ibuprofen regimen used in the unit. Treatment begins with an initial loading dose, followed by two smaller doses administered at 24-hour intervals. While PK samples and targeted echocardiograms are collected at the same intervals as in the precision dosing arm, these data points do not influence dosing decisions. • Model-Informed Precision Dosing (MIPD) Arm: Participants in this arm initially receive the same loading dose of ibuprofen as those in the standard dosing arm. Subsequent doses are adjusted using real-time PK data and echocardiographic evaluations through the WAPPS-PDA tool. This tool employs a Bayesian forecasting model to analyze blood samples collected at 6, 30, and 54 hours post-initial dose, combining these results with the PDA response level noted in the targeted echocardiograms to dynamically adjust dosing. Dose adjustments are reviewed every 12 hours to ensure tailored treatment based on the neonate's specific pharmacological response, optimizing the chances of effective PDA closure.