Targeting of treatment of the patent ductus arteriosus using early echocardiography

INTERVENTION: Indomethacin (0.2mg loading dose intravenously followed by two doses of 0.1mg/kg at 24 hour intervals intravenously) given in first 12 hours of life in high risk premature infants with patent ductus arteriosus failing to constrict naturally as defined by an echocardiogram. CONDITION: Patent ductus arteriosus PRIMARY OUTCOME: Combined death and abnormal cranial ultrasound SECONDARY OUTCOME: Chronic lung disease as measured by need for any supplemental oxygen or pressure support INCLUSION CRITERIA: Infants born < 29 weeks gestational age Infants < 12 hours old Echocardiogram to assess ductal size able to be performed