Causes

PDA affects girls more often than boys. The condition is more common in premature infants and those with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Infants with genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, and whose mothers had rubella during pregnancy are at higher risk for PDA.

PDA is common in babies with congenital heart problems, such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome, transposition of the great vessels, and pulmonary stenosis.

Symptoms

A small PDA may not cause any symptoms. However, some infants may have symptoms such as:

• Fast breathing
• Poor feeding habits
• Rapid pulse
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating while feeding
• Tiring very easily
• Poor growth

Exams and Tests

Babies with PDA often have a heart murmur that can be heard with a stethoscope. However, in premature infants, a heart murmur may not be heard. The health care provider may suspect the condition if the infant has breathing or feeding problems soon after birth.

Changes may be seen on chest x-rays. The diagnosis is confirmed with an echocardiogram.

Sometimes, a small PDA may not be diagnosed until later in childhood.

Treatment

If the rest of the baby's heart and blood flow is normal or close to normal, the goal is to close the PDA. If the baby has certain other heart problems or defects, keeping the ductus arteriosus open may be lifesaving. Medicine may be used to stop it from closing.

Sometimes, a PDA may close on its own. In premature babies it often closes within the first 2 years of life. In full-term infants, a PDA rarely closes on its own after the first few weeks.

When treatment is needed, medications such as indomethacin or a special form of ibuprofen are often the first choice. Medicines can work very well for some newborns, with few side effects. The earlier treatment is given, the more likely it is to succeed.

If these measures do not work or can't be used, the baby may need to have a medical procedure.

A transcatheter device closure is a procedure that uses a thin, hollow tube placed into a blood vessel. The doctor passes a small metal coil or other blocking device through the catheter to the site of the PDA. This blocks blood flow through the vessel. These coils can help the baby avoid surgery.

Surgery may be needed if the catheter procedure does not work or it cannot be used. Surgery involves making a small cut between the ribs to repair the PDA. Surgery has risks, however. Weigh the possible benefits and risks with your health care provider before choosing surgery.

Outlook (Prognosis)

If a small PDA stays open, the baby may eventually develop heart symptoms. Babies with a larger PDA could develop heart problems such as heart failure, high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, or an infection of the inner lining of the heart if the PDA does not close.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

This condition is usually diagnosed by the health care provider who examines your infant. Breathing and feeding problems in an infant can sometimes be due to a PDA that has not been diagnosed.

Alternative Names

PDA

References

Webb GD, Smallhorn JF, Therrien J, Redington AN. Congenital heart disease. In: Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, Libby P, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 65.

Updated: 4/5/2012

Reviewed by: Kurt R. Schumacher, MD, Pediatric Cardiology, University of Michigan Congenital Heart Center, Ann Arbor, MI. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.