Patent Ductus Arteriosus: What It Is and How It Affects Babies

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart condition that affects babies, primarily those born prematurely. It occurs when a blood vessel called ductus arteriosus, which is important in blood circulation in a foetus (an unborn baby), fails to close after birth.

If left untreated, PDA can cause serious health complications. A basic understanding of PDA is essential for early diagnosis and effective management. This article gives an overview of patent ductus arteriosus, its symptoms, causes, and management.

What Is PDA?

PDA, or patent ductus arteriosus, is a heart defect present from birth in which a small blood vessel near the heart, called ductus arteriosus, does not close naturally after birth. This vessel helps send oxygen-rich blood from the mother to the foetus, an unborn baby, since the baby gets oxygen from the placenta.

After birth, the baby’s lungs perform this function. This vessel should close within a few hours or days. But if it remains open, too much blood flows to the lungs, which puts greater pressure on the heart.

What Are the Symptoms of PDA?

PDA symptoms depend on the baby’s overall health and how big the opening is. Some babies do not show any signs. But those that do show the following symptoms:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Difficulty eating and slow weight gain
• Crying while being fed
• A heart murmur (extra sound heard when a doctor listens to the heart)
• Rapid heart rate
• Fatigue and weakness
• Frequent lung infections

If the condition is severe and left untreated, it can lead to heart problems. Early recognition of patent ductus arteriosus symptoms helps in getting the right treatment.

What Factors Cause Patent Ductus Arteriosus?

The exact causes of PDA heart defect are not known; however, the following factors can increase the risk:

• Premature Birth: Babies born too early are more likely to have PDA.
• Genetic Conditions: Babies having Down syndrome and other genetic defects are at a higher risk.
• Infections during Pregnancy: Pregnant mothers who have rubella (German measles) are more likely to give birth to a baby having a PDA heart condition.
• High-altitude Birth: Babies born at higher altitudes are at a greater risk of PDA disease than babies born at lower altitudes.
• Sex of the Baby: PDA heart disease is more common in girls than boys.

Patent ductus arteriosus mainly affects newborns. However, PDA in adults is possible if it goes undetected. A small PDA is not too problematic. But a large opening can lead to heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or even heart failure. Doctors can diagnose PDA in adults through heart imaging tests.

How Is PDA Diagnosed?

Patent ductus arteriosus is diagnosed using the following tests:

• Echocardiogram (Echo): This PDA test uses sound waves to produce images of the heart and detect the disease.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG machine measures the heart’s electrical activity. It checks for any irregularities like abnormal heartbeat or other signs of heart strain caused by PDA heart condition.
• Chest X-ray: This shows whether the heart is enlarged or if excess fluid is present in the lungs, indicating lung infections caused by PDA.
• Cardiac catheterisation: In rare cases, this test provides a detailed view of the heart by inserting a thin tube into the blood vessel.

How Can Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Be Prevented?

Taking preventive steps during pregnancy can lower the chances of PDA in newborns, such as:

• Regular prenatal care to monitor foetal heart development
• Managing maternal infections and chronic conditions like diabetes
• Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and harmful medications during pregnancy
• Preventing premature birth through good maternal health care

How Is Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Managed?

For babies diagnosed with PDA, careful monitoring and supportive care are essential, including:

• Providing regular medical checkups for high-risk newborns to track heart function
• Maintaining proper oxygen levels and nutrition is crucial for preterm infants
• Managing fluid intake helps prevent extra strain on the heart and lungs
• Educating parents about PDA symptoms to ensure early intervention

If a person has patent ductus arteriosus symptoms, timely medical intervention can help improve outcomes and prevent serious complications. Dr Lal PathLabs offers various diagnostic tests like echocardiograms and ECGs. Book a test today!

FAQs

1. What is PDA heart disease?
PDA heart condition occurs when the ductus arteriosus remains open after birth. Due to this, extra blood flows to the lungs, straining the heart.

2. What are common PDA symptoms?
PDA symptoms include rapid breathing, difficulty feeding, a heart murmur, fatigue, and frequent respiratory infections.

3. What causes PDA?
Risk factors include premature birth, genetic factors, maternal infections during pregnancy, and high-altitude birth.

4. What are the options for PDA treatment?
Patent ductus arteriosus treatment varies by case. Seek medical advice for the best course of action, which may involve monitoring, lifestyle changes, or medical intervention.