Phototherapy Effect on the Incidence of Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Abstract

I just finished reading the article by Rosenfeld et al (Pediatrics 1986;78:10-14). The abstract was quite intriguing and compelled me to read the entire paper. Unfortunately, I found two major flaws in the materials and methods sections that I believe cast serious doubt on the validity of the study.

First, although the findings on physical examination can be helpful in determining the hemodynamic significance of a medium-or large-sized patent ductus, I do not believe the presence or absence of a ductus can be reliably determined in very small premature infants solely on the basis of a physical examination.