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 are the causes?
Doctors do not know what causes this problem. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Female
- Premature babies
- Babies who have problems breathing
- Having a genetic disorder such as Down syndrome
- If the mother has rubella while she is pregnant
- If the mother abuses drugs or alcohol while she is pregnant
- Being born with heart problems such as:
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
- Transposition of great vessels
- Pulmonary stenosis
What are the main signs?
A very small opening may not cause any problems. Other problems may be: ‚
- Breathing fast or feeling short of breath
- Fast heart rate
- Poor feeding or sweating while feeding
- Tires easily
- Poor growth
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will check your child and listen to the heart. Often, babies with this problem will have a heart murmur that a doctor hears with a stethoscope. The doctor may order tests like: ‚
- Chest x-ray
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Sometimes, the PDA is left open if there are other heart problems. Doctors may order drugs to keep the PDA open. Your child may need these drugs until the surgery to fix a heart problem.
- A PDA may close on its own without treatment. Your doctor will decide if it is OK to see if the PDA will close on its own. If it doesnt, or your child starts showing signs, treatment may be needed, like:
- Drugs
- Transcatheter device closure ¢ ˆ ’ A thin tube is put into the blood vessel and a blocking device is sent through the tube.
- Surgery ¢ ˆ ’ If drugs and the catheter method fail
Are there other health problems to treat?
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 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
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.
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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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚