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What Is Patent Ductus Arteriosus?

Patent ductus arteriosus, also known as PDA, is a constant gap among the pulmonary and aorta arteries, which lead from the heart. A PDA that is present at birth is treatable and usually heals on its own. If a patent ductus arteriosus is left untreated, a large amount blood will flow through the heart. This can result in heart muscle weakness, which can cause heart failure and additional problems.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the defect. Patent ductus arteriosus that are small may not cause any signs or symptoms, and can go unnoticed until adulthood. On the other hand, a large patent ductus arteriosus can result in having signs of heart failure shortly after birth. During infancy a large patent ductus arteriosus can cause a rapid heart rate, breathlessness, repeated lung infections, poor growth, and a bluish skin tone.

    Causes

    • The gap between the aorta and pulmonary artery is a crucial part of an infant's blood circulation while inside the womb. However, the opening is supposed to seal up within two to three days after the infant is born. It is considered to be a PDA if it remains open. Heart defects that are present at birth happen from complications in the heart's early development. Heredity and the environment may be factors, but there is no obvious cause.

    Complications

    • A PDA generally shuts on its own a few weeks after birth in premature babies.

      A small PDA may not result into any problems. However, untreated PDA that are larger could cause pulmonary hypertension, because too much blood is circulating through the aorta and pulmonary arteries. An untreated PDA may ultimately cause weakness of the heart muscle, which can result in heart failure. Also, a patent ductus arteriosus can lead to infectious endocarditis, which is the swelling of the inner lining of the heart caused by a bacterial infection.

    Treatments

    • A PDA generally shuts on its own a few weeks after birth in premature babies. In premature infants, doctors can use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to aid in closing the PDA. Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs will not shut a patent ductus arteriosus in children or adults. If the medications have not caused the PDA to shut, and your baby's condition is getting worse, the doctor may recommend open-heart surgery. Open-heart surgery could be suggested for adults who have a patent ductus arteriosus that is causing health issues.

    Prevention/Solution

    • In the majority of cases, there is nothing you can do to prevent having a baby with a PDA. However, it is essential to do everything within your power to have a healthy pregnancy. Even before you are expecting, you should get prenatal care. Tell your doctor about medications you are taking. Also, you should stop smoking and reduce any stress. It is best that you consume healthy foods and exercise on a regular basis. You should talk to a genetic counselor before you become pregnant if your family has history of genetic disorders or heart defects.

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