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.