Patent Ductus Arteriosus Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect, in which a temporary blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus does not close after the baby is born. The ductus arteriosus is the connection between the aorta and the pulmonary artery.
Aorta is a large blood vessel that carries clean blood from the heart throughout the body. Pulmonary arteries are blood vessels that carry dirty blood from the heart to the lungs. So that in patients with PDA, dirty blood and clean blood are mixed.
PDA symptoms can be mild to severe. Even in some cases, PDA is not recognized and can persist into adulthood. Surgery to close the ductus arteriosus is usually successful and allows the heart to function normally.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus Symptoms
Symptoms of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can be mild to severe because the size of the opening of the ductus arteriosus can be small or large. If the hole is only small, it may not show any symptoms and the doctor can find out if there is an abnormal heart sound known as a murmur.
Symptoms that usually occur in people with PDA are:
- sweating
- fast and heavy breaths
- fatigue
- less weight
- don’t like to breastfeed
Symptoms that can occur in adults with PDA are:
- heart palpitations
- hard to breathe
- high blood pressure in the lungs
- enlarged heart
- heart failure
Patent Ductus Arteriosus Reason
The cause of congenital heart disease Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is still unknown. However, PDA is more common in babies born prematurely and in girls than in boys.
Diagnosis
The doctor will usually determine the diagnosis of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) from a physical examination of heart sounds. In most cases, people with PDA will have abnormal heart sounds, namely murmurs.
Investigations such as X-rays may be needed to check the condition of the child’s heart and lungs. Premature babies will need additional tests such as an echocardiogram and electrocardiogram (EKG). Echo examination to detect circulatory disorders. EKG or heart record to determine the electrical activity of the heart and determine if there is an enlarged heart.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus Treatment
In mild cases of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), when the opening of the ductus arteriosus is very small, no treatment is needed. The hole can close on its own with age. However, regular checks are required. If the hole does not close on its own, treatment or surgery is needed to prevent complications.
In premature babies, the drug indomethacin (NSAID class) is given to close the ductus arteriosus. This drug is given intravenously or through a blood vessel so that it can make the muscles narrow so that they can close the ductus arteriosus. However, these drugs are only effective in newborns.
In infants or other small children, there is a procedure to close the ductus arteriosus with a catheter. The catheter tube is inserted through the blood vessels in the groin area and goes to the heart to place the ductus arteriosus closing device.
If the hole is large, surgery may be needed. Surgery is usually performed on children aged 6 months or older. However, smaller babies may also be operated on if they develop severe symptoms.