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Key Points
- Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a persistent
connection between the aorta and the pulmonary artery after birth. This
connection is called the ductus arteriosus, and it is normally present before
birth. In most babies, the vessel closes within a few hours to days after
birth. In some babies, the ductus arteriosus remains open (patent) after
birth.
- PDA is more common in premature infants (babies
born too early), but it can happen in full-term infants. It is twice as common
in girls as in boys.
- The cause of PDA is not known. Genetics may play
a role. PDA can occur in children with otherwise normal hearts or in children
born with other heart defects.
- PDA allows too much blood to pump through the
lungs, overloading the heart and the lungs. The heart must work harder than
usual to pump the extra blood. This can cause the heart to enlarge and fluid to
increase in the lungs.
- PDA can lead to poor growth, damage to the
arteries in the lungs due to the extra blood flow, and
bacterial endocarditis.
- A
heart
murmur may be the only sign that a baby or child has a PDA.
- Some infants may develop signs and symptoms of a
large PDA such as fast breathing, poor feeding and poor weight gain, tiring
easily, and sweating.
- Children with a large PDA are usually diagnosed
within the first few months of life. Children with a small PDA may not be
diagnosed until they are older. Premature infants with PDA may be diagnosed
soon after birth.
- The
echocardiogram is the test most commonly used to confirm the
presence of a PDA.
- Small PDAs sometimes close without treatment. But
if a PDA is large or does not close on its own by the time the child is
12 years old, it should be repaired. For premature infants, treatment is
needed if the PDA is causing increased respiratory distress and heart
problems.
- Treatments for PDA include medicine, procedures
using catheters, and surgery.
- After closure of a PDA, most children grow
normally and live healthy lives.
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Living With Links
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