Patent ductus arteriosus
Description
Heart condition in which the lumen of the ductus (fetal blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery to the descending aorta) remains open after birth (see Anatomy of patent ductus arteriosus)
Good prognosis if shunt is small or surgical repair is effective; otherwise, may advance to intractable heart failure, which may be fatal
Twice as common in females as in males
Also called PDA
Pathophysiology
The lumen of the ductus remains open after birth and creates a left-to-right shunt of blood from the aorta to the pulmonary artery, resulting in recirculation of arterial blood through the lungs.
PDA is prevalent in premature neonates; it probably results from abnormalities in oxygenation or the relaxant action of prostaglandin E, which prevents ductal spasm and contracture necessary for closure.
Causes
Associated with other congenital defects, such as coarctation of the aorta, pulmonary and aortic stenoses, and ventricular septal defect
Prematurity
Rubella syndrome
Assessment findings
History of premature birth, rubella, or difficulty breathing
In infants: respiratory distress, signs
and symptoms of heart failure, slow motor development, failure to thrive, and heightened susceptibility to respiratory tract infectionsStay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
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