Is patent ductus arteriosus normal in newborns?

Patent ductus arteriosus in the newborn is a normal physiological phenomenon in the short period after birth, but if it persists, medical intervention is required. Treatment includes medications such as indomethacin and ibuprofen, surgeries such as ductus ligation and ductus occlusion, and watchful waiting. The causes of patent ductus arteriosus are mainly related to the blood circulation needs during the fetal period and environmental changes after birth. During the fetal period, the ductus arteriosus allows blood to bypass the underdeveloped lungs and enter the systemic circulation directly. After birth, as the lungs begin to work, the ductus arteriosus usually closes within a few days. If it does not close, it may be related to premature birth, hypoxemia, genetic factors or certain congenital heart diseases.

1. Drug treatment: Indomethacin and ibuprofen are commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that promote ductal closure by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. These drugs are usually used in the early stage after the birth of the newborn and have significant effects.

2. Surgical treatment: Catheter ligation and ductal occlusion are commonly used surgical methods. Catheter ligation directly ligates the unclosed duct through open chest surgery, while ductal occlusion inserts an occluder through the catheter, which is less traumatic and has a quick recovery.

3. Watch and wait: For some mild cases of unclosed ductus arteriosus, the doctor may choose to watch and wait, and perform regular cardiac ultrasound examinations to monitor whether the ductus closes naturally.

Early diagnosis and treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in newborns is crucial. Timely and appropriate medical measures can effectively prevent complications and ensure the healthy growth of infants. Parents should pay close attention to the growth and development of their infants, conduct regular physical examinations, and follow the doctor's advice for treatment and care.