How Do You Treat Patent Ductus Arteriosus?
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common congenital heart defect, accounting for 6% to 11% of children born with heart disease. Before birth, a blood vessel, the ductus arteriosus, connects the aorta and pulmonary artery. At birth, blood starts travelling to the lungs for oxygenation and the ductus arteriosus closes within 72 hours of birth. In babies with PDA, the ductus arteriosus remains open. Symptoms may appear within weeks or months of birth. Medical advice is necessary. Surgery corrects larger needed repairs. Diagnose the PDA severity through physical examination, and possibly with tests such as a chest x-ray, an electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram and cardiac catheterization. Make a treatment plan. Monitor a very small PDA. Intervention may not be necessary. Consider treating a premature baby with intravenous indomethacin to stimulate muscle constriction. Prescribe digoxin or diuretics for children with heart or lung challenges. Supplemental feeding supports weight gain for
