The Phase III of this trial will investigate whether the prophylactic use of paracetamol in preterm babies during their first five days of life is safe and effective in reducing risk of death or severe complications of prematurity, like brain bleedings, pulmonary lesions or eye problems, by preventing a persistent ductus arteriosus. Additionally, the influence of paracetamol on pain and on the use of pain killers as well as long-term effects of paracetamol are currently being investigated. The trial will be conducted in more than 60 centres of 17 European countries. A total of 794 preterm babies will be included over a period of 28 months.
