Living With Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Most children are healthy and live normal lives
after treatment for a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
If your child was not born prematurely (too early),
he or she is expected to have normal activity levels, appetite, and growth
after PDA treatment, as long as there are no other
congenital
heart defects.
If your child was born prematurely, the outlook
after PDA treatment depends primarily on other factors, such as:
- How early he or she was born
- Whether he or she has other illnesses or
conditions, such as other congenital heart defects
Medical Care Needs
Children who have PDAs are at increased risk for
bacterial endocarditis. To prevent this infection, your doctor
may give your child antibiotics before medical or dental procedures (such as
surgery or dental cleanings) that could allow bacteria into the bloodstream.
Talk to you child's doctor about whether your child needs antibiotics before
such procedures.
It's important to take good care of your child's
teeth. He or she should have regular dental care to prevent decay and help
reduce the chance of infection.
Once the PDA is closed, your child will not need
antibiotics before dental work or surgical procedures. If the PDA is closed
surgically or by catheter and remains completely closed, antibiotics will not
be needed after 6 months. |