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Paediatrics: Persistent ductus arteriosus
2021-03-05 12:00 AM
PDA is common and seen in 1–2/1000 live births. Sometimes it follows on from a preterm delivery. It is defi ned as a duct still being present 1mth after the date that the child should have been born.
Persistent ductus arteriosus
PDA is common and seen in 1–2/1000 live births. Sometimes it follows on from a preterm delivery. It is defined as a duct still being present 1mth after the date that the child should have been born.
Clinical features
PDA results in a low diastolic pressure, due to blood flowing back into the pulmonary artery. There may be heart failure (breathlessness).
Examination
- A wide pulse pressure or bounding peripheral pulses.
- A continuous or machinery murmur in the left infraclavicular area.
Prognosis
The majority of defects will close spontaneously.
Management
- Medical: diuretics.
- Cardiac catheter: device closure usually at 1yr.
- Surgical: ligation (rarely).