Patent ductus arteriosus

Alternative names:

PDA

Treatment:

In premature infants, an attempt is made to close the patent ductus by fluid restriction and prostaglandin inhibitors such as indomethacin. Surgical ligation (tying) of the patent ductus is undertaken if medical management does not close the ductus.

In full-term infants, surgical ligation of the patent ductus is indicated if heart failure develops. If the infant is asymptomatic, the surgery is postponed until 6 months to 3 years of age, unless problems develop.

Parents with an infant whose ductus has recently closed are encouraged not to fly as the decrease in oxygen may cause the ductus to reopen.

Expectations (prognosis):

Surgical treatment is associated with a very low risk of complications, and The probable outcome is good after surgery.

Complications:

If the patent ductus is not closed, the infant has a risk of developing heart failure or infective endocarditis.

Calling your health care provider:

This condition is often detected when your health care provider examines your infant. However, if an infant develops shortness of breath or feeds poorly; or other symptoms such as bluish skin (cyanosis) occur NOT associated with known PDA, call your health care provider.