Newborn Patent Ductus Arteriosus: What Parents Need to Know

When the ductus arteriosus stays open after birth, oxygen-rich blood that should flow out to the body re-routes through the PDA and returns to the lungs. This extra blood flow increases the workload on the heart and can lead to symptoms such as rapid breathing, poor feeding, and slow weight gain. In more severe cases, it may cause heart failure or developmental delays if left untreated.

Diagnosis and Symptoms

Many infants with PDA are diagnosed shortly after birth due to the presence of a heart murmur detected during a routine physical exam. Additional diagnostic tools such as echocardiography are used to confirm the condition and assess its severity. Symptoms can vary depending on the size of the opening and the overall health of the baby. Some small PDAs may close on their own without intervention, especially in otherwise healthy full-term infants.

Treatment Options

For infants with significant symptoms or larger PDAs, treatment is usually recommended. The most common approach is surgical closure, which has a high success rate and excellent long-term outcomes. In some cases, particularly in premature infants, medications such as ibuprofen or indomethacin may be used to help close the ductus arteriosus. Minimally invasive procedures using catheter-based devices are also becoming more common in certain cases.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most babies with PDA go on to lead healthy, normal lives. Regular follow-up visits with a pediatric cardiologist are typically recommended to monitor heart function and ensure there are no complications. Parents should be reassured that PDA is a treatable condition and that the majority of affected infants recover well with proper care.