Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Have you recently been diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), or are you just looking to learn more about this condition? You've come to the right place. Let’s talk about what PDA is, what causes it, what symptoms to look out for, and how it can be treated. If you or any of your family members are facing this issue, you can consult the Best Pediatric Cardiologist in Kolkata at BM Birla Hospital.

What is patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)?

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart condition that affects the blood vessels. It is something that commonly occurs in babies, but it can affect people of any age.

When babies are in the womb, they don’t need their lungs to get oxygen because the placenta takes care of it. To make this possible, there's a special blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus, which helps blood bypass the lungs and go straight to the body.

Usually, after birth, this vessel closes on its own. But in some cases, it stays open — what we call "patent". If it stays open, it means blood can flow the wrong way between two large blood vessels: the aorta (which carries blood to the body) and the pulmonary artery (which carries blood to the lungs). This can put extra pressure on the heart, causing some health problems, but don't worry — treatment is available.

What causes patent ductus arteriosus?

So, you might be wondering: why does PDA happen? Well, doctors aren't always completely sure, but there are a few things that can increase the chances of it happening:

• Premature birth: Babies born very early (before 37 weeks) are more likely to have PDA because their heart and blood vessels haven't had enough time to fully develop.
• Genetic factors: Certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome, can make PDA more likely.
• Infections during pregnancy: If the mother gets certain infections, such as rubella (German measles), while she's pregnant, this can increase the chances of PDA.
• Mother's health conditions: If the mother has health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, this can make PDA more likely.

What are the risk factors for PDA?

Although PDA can happen to anyone, there are a few factors that can increase its chances:

• Premature birth: As mentioned, if a baby is born prematurely, he or she is more likely to have PDA.
• Family history: If someone in your family has had PDA or other heart problems, you may be at a slightly higher risk.
• Mother's health during pregnancy: If the mother has had health problems during pregnancy, such as infections or diabetes, the baby may be at a higher risk of developing PDA.

Common symptoms of patent ductus arteriosu

Here are some signs that may indicate a PDA:

• Heart murmur: This is the first thing a doctor may notice when listening to the heartbeat. It's a loud sound caused by abnormal blood flow.
• Breathing difficulties: If the PDA is causing serious problems, you may have difficulty breathing, especially when you're moving around or exercising.
• Feeling tired or weak: Because the heart is working harder to pump blood, it may feel unusually tired or weak.
• Fatigue in babies: Babies with PDA may have trouble feeding properly or may not gain weight as expected.
• Frequent lung infections: In some cases, PDA can cause fluid to collect in the lungs, making it easier for infections to develop.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor to make sure everything is okay.

How is PDA diagnosed? 

If you or your baby are showing signs of PDA, the doctor will do some tests to find out what's going on. The most common ways to diagnose PDA include:

• Physical examination: The doctor will listen to your heartbeat with a stethoscope. If there's a murmur, it could be a sign of PDA.
• Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart): This test uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart. This helps doctors see if blood is flowing properly or if there is any abnormal flow caused by the PDA.
• Chest X-ray: This allows the doctor to see the size of the heart and check if there are signs of pressure or fluid buildup in the lungs.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test looks at the electrical activity of the heart, which can help identify any rhythm problems caused by the PDA.

Once the doctor has gathered enough information, they will be able to tell you the best treatment options.

Treatment options for patent ductus arteriosus

PDA is treatable, and most people can live a healthy and happy life. Depending on how severe the PDA is, your doctor can recommend the best treatment for you.

• Medication: In some cases, doctors may give medication to help close the ductus arteriosus. This is especially common for premature babies. Medications like indomethacin or ibuprofen can help the duct close on its own.
• Catheter-based closure: This is a less invasive procedure. A doctor uses a thin tube (called a catheter) to insert a small device into the ductus arteriosus. This device will help seal the duct and stop the abnormal blood flow.
• Surgery: If the other treatments don’t work or the PDA is very large, surgery may be needed to close the ductus arteriosus. This is typically done through a small incision and is very effective in treating PDA.
• Monitoring: In mild cases, doctors may choose to simply monitor the condition over time, especially if the PDA doesn’t cause any major problems. Regular check-ups can ensure that the heart is working properly.

Final Thoughts

If you or your child has been diagnosed with Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), it’s understandable that you may feel worried or confused. But remember, PDA is treatable, and most people with this condition can go on to live healthy, active lives.

The key is to catch it early, work with your doctor, and follow the treatment plan that’s best for you. Whether that means taking medication, having a simple procedure, or even surgery, there are plenty of options to help manage PDA effectively. So, don’t hesitate to ask questions, keep learning, and always reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. You’ve got this. 

FAQs

Why is patent ductus arteriosus common in preterm infants?

Preterm infants are more likely to have PDA because their heart and blood vessels are not fully developed at birth, making it harder for the ductus arteriosus to close.

Is patent ductus arteriosus hereditary?

In some cases, PDA can run in families, especially if there are genetic conditions like Down syndrome, but it is not always hereditary.

Is PDA a congenital heart defect?

Yes, PDA is a congenital heart defect because it is present at birth and occurs when the ductus arteriosus fails to close properly after birth.

Can PDA close on its own without treatment?

In some cases, particularly in premature infants, PDA may close on its own as the baby’s heart and blood vessels develop, but it often requires treatment if it doesn't.

Can adults have PDA, or is it only a childhood condition?

While PDA is most common in infants, adults can also have it if the ductus arteriosus remains open throughout childhood, though it is less commonly diagnosed in adults.