Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a condition that is caused by a persistent opening between the two major blood vessels that lead from the heart. This is a congenital heart defect that is present at birth. The opening that causes health problems in PDA is actually a normal stage in the development of the blood flow system for every foetus. However, this hole is supposed to close before birth. When it does not, the patient has Patent Ductus Arteriosus.
Small holes related to PDA do not always cause symptoms or problems. These smaller defects may not require treatment. When the PDA is larger, it leads to problems related to oxygen-poor blood moving in the wrong direction through the heart. The most common symptoms of PDA are:
The precise causes for this condition are not clear. Since the hole that is present in patients with PDA is a normal part of foetal development, it is not clear why sometimes this stage of development is not completed.
The risk factors for this condition are:
Diagnosis of PDA requires various tests. A chest X-ray is required to visualise the heart and lungs. Echocardiogram and electrocardiogram tests can also be required to view the condition of the blood vessels and the function of the beating of the heart. Cardiac catheterization can be required in some cases to look at the function of the heart internally while it is beating.
Treatment of this condition depends on the severity of symptoms and the age of the child. Small PDAs might not require treatment. Medications can be given to help treat the symptoms of the condition in children that are not old enough for surgical intervention. NSAIDs might be given to help block the body chemicals that cause the PDA to remain open. In some cases, this can lead to the PDA healing on its own without surgery.
Open heart surgery is the most common surgical treatment for this condition when there is a large PDA present. Catheter procedures can be used in cases that are not as severe. Babies need to be mature and stable enough to survive these surgeries. The child might have to mature some before surgery can be done.
Prevention of this condition is not often possible. If you have a family history of genetic conditions or PDA, you can speak with your doctor about the possibility of this problem affecting your unborn child. Genetic testing can sometimes reveal chromosome issues that might contribute to PDA. Make sure that you eat a healthy diet while you are pregnant and seek prenatal care during your pregnancy.