Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) factsheet
Introduction
The ductus arteriosus (DA) is a blood vessel that connects two major arteries in the developing heart of a foetus during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, the growing foetus does not use their lungs to manage oxygen and carbon dioxide. Instead, they are passed in and out through the mother's system by an organ called the placenta.
When a baby is born, they breathe using their lungs. Over the next few days, the DA will shrink and eventually close, leaving behind a small ligament or piece of tissue that does nothing.
In some babies, the DA does not close, causing fluid to build up in the heart and lungs. This condition is called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
PDA is more common in premature babies born before 37 weeks, affecting up to 60% of those born before 28 weeks.
Signs and symptoms
Babies with PDA may show signs like:
- fast breathing
- working hard to breathe
- a heart murmur – an unusual sound in the heartbeat
- hypotension – low blood pressure.
They may also need support after birth to breathe properly.
Diagnosis
PDA is diagnosed using doppler echocardiography (echo). This scan, similar to the ones used in pregnancy, uses sound waves to take a moving picture of your baby’s heart.
Treatment
Treatment aims to:
- close the PDA
- manage any symptoms that happen while the PDA is closing.
Treatment options will depend on:
- how big the size of the PDA is
- how severe your baby’s symptoms are
- any other health issues.
Smaller PDAs can close on their own without treatment.
Most babies will respond well to treatment.
Medication
Premature babies may be given an anti-inflammatory drug called ibuprofen. They may need multiple doses if the PDA does not close or it reopens.
Surgery
Surgery to close a PDA involves stitching or clipping the DA to close it. This is called ligation and is used if the PDA:
- does not close after treatment with medication
- is caused by another health condition.
