This document summarizes the complex relationship between a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and treatment with cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors in preterm infants. While treatment of a PDA with COX inhibitors like indomethacin has been linked to a reduced risk of IVH, the combination of COX inhibitor treatment and moderate thrombocytopenia may increase the risk of IVH. The relationships between PDA, IVH, and effects of treatment remain unclear due to limitations of retrospective studies. Larger prospective studies are still needed to determine if COX inhibitor treatment truly increases IVH risk in thrombocytopenic infants.