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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Introduction
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect in which the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel that normally closes shortly after birth, remains open. This can lead to abnormal circulation between the aorta and pulmonary artery, potentially causing heart strain and other complications.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Prematurity (common in preterm infants)
- Genetic factors or congenital syndromes (e.g., Down syndrome)
- Maternal infections during pregnancy (e.g., rubella)
- Hypoxia or respiratory distress in newborns
Symptoms
Symptoms of PDA depend on its size: - Small PDA: Often asymptomatic and may close spontaneously - Large PDA: Can cause symptoms such as: - Shortness of breath (dyspnea) - Frequent respiratory infections - Poor weight gain - Heart murmur (detectable via auscultation) - Fatigue, especially during feeding in infants
Diagnosis
- Echocardiography (Ultrasound of the Heart): Gold standard for diagnosis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): May show signs of left ventricular hypertrophy
- Chest X-ray: Can show heart enlargement and increased pulmonary blood flow
Treatment
Treatment depends on the size of the ductus and the presence of symptoms: 1. Observation: Small PDAs may close on their own, requiring only monitoring. 2. Medication: In preterm infants, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or indomethacin may help close the PDA. 3. Catheter-Based Closure: Using a small coil or device to close the PDA. 4. Surgery: Ligation or clipping of the PDA, usually when other methods fail, or in severe cases.
Potential Complications If Untreated
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Heart failure
- Infective endocarditis
- Eisenmenger syndrome (in rare cases)
Conclusion
Early detection and treatment of PDA can prevent serious complications and improve long-term outcomes. If a PDA is suspected, a cardiologist will determine the best approach based on the patient’s clinical presentation and diagnostic findings.
References and Guidelines
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for Congenital Heart Defects
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000603
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects/about-congenital-heart-defects
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://newsroom.heart.org/news/as-people-born-with-congenital-heart-defects-now-live-longer-challenges-evolve-over-time
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on the Management of Congenital Heart Diseases
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Grown-Up-Congenital-Heart-Disease-Management-of
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/6/563/5898606
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860028/
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2021.09.010
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000603
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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