ABOUT THE DISEASE

Patent ductus arteriosus is a congenital (present since birth) defect caused due to the improper closure of a blood vessel ductus arteriosus, which connects the pulmonary artery (artery going to the lungs) with the aorta. This vessel is open till the baby is in the womb as at that time the mother provides oxygen to the baby because the baby`s lungs are filled with fluid. However this opening should ideally close post birth (in 90% of cases within the first 8 weeks) since by then the lungs of the baby are functional.

SYMPTOMS

In minor cases it might just cause a slight heart murmur, however in case of a larger opening it can lead to:

• - Rapid breathing
• - Feeding problems
• - Poor growth
• - Higher pulse rate

In severe cases it can even lead to a heart failure.

CAUSES

There are no known causes to this problem however pre term babies tend to have a higher chance of having this problem.

DIAGNOSIS

- Physical examination
- Electrocardiogram
- Echocardiogram

TREATMENT METHODS

Initially the treatment is through medicines and restricting fluid intake.

If it does not close by itself or is large enough, PDA closure surgery is advised, once the child has attained at least 3-6 months of age.

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