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Patent Ductus Arteriosus Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Patent ductus arteriosus is also known as a PDA. The ductus arteriosus is a very small blood vessel that all people have before birth. Patent means open. If you have a PDA, this blood vessel stays open longer than it should. ‚  
While inside the womb, a babys heart does not have to send blood to the lungs for oxygen. The baby gets the oxygen from its mother. Blood flows through the PDA instead of going to the lungs. This blood vessel should close within a few minutes or days after a baby is born. Then, the blood will flow on its normal path and get oxygen from the lungs. ‚  
If this blood vessel does not close, blood does not flow the right way as it leaves the heart. This may lead to serious problems. ‚  


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What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do to care for your child.
  • Sometimes, no treatment is needed and a PDA may close on its own.
  • Give your child all drugs ordered by the doctor.
  • Do not let your child cry for long periods. This can increase strain on the heart.

What follow-up care is needed?


  • The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
  • The doctor may send your child to a heart specialist.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Close the PDA
  • Keep the PDA open
  • Help with pain and swelling
  • Prevent or fight an infection

Will physical activity be limited?


Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for your child. ‚  

What problems could happen?


Other problems may happen that need treatment: ‚  
  • Poor feeding
  • Breathing problems
  • Heart failure
  • Enlarged heart
  • High blood pressure in the lung blood vessels
  • Infection of the inner lining of the heart
  • Damage to other organs, such as bowels and kidneys, from raised blood flow in the lungs

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


There is nothing that can be done to prevent this problem. ‚  
  • A PDA is more common in premature babies. Take extra care and follow all of your doctors orders to avoid an early birth.
  • Babies whose mothers abuse drugs or alcohol have a higher risk of having a PDA. Do not abuse drugs or alcohol during pregnancy.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Breathing problems
  • Your child takes longer to eat or has problems eating
  • Blue or gray color around the eyes and mouth
  • Your child is very sleepy
  • More swelling, especially around the eyes, hands, and feet
  • Health problem is not better or your child is feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my childs condition.
  • I can tell you why it is important for this blood vessel to close.
  • I can tell you what I will do if my child has trouble breathing, takes longer to eat, has problems eating, or is blue around the eyes or mouth.

Where can I learn more?


KidsHealth ‚  
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/patent_ductus_arteriosus.html ‚  
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚  
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pda/heartworks.html ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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