Patent ductus arteriosus in children

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart disease in children. It needs to be treated surgically according to the severity of the symptoms. Severe cases may be life-threatening. Early detection and intervention are crucial for children with PDA.

Patent ductus arteriosus is caused by the failure of the ductus that connects the aorta and the pulmonary artery to close in time after birth. Genetics is an important cause, and some children may have a family history of the disease. Premature birth, low birth weight, and neonatal asphyxia also significantly increase the risk. Environmental factors such as viral infection during pregnancy (such as rubella virus) and exposure to harmful substances can also affect the development of the fetal heart. Severe cases may manifest as feeding difficulties, slow weight gain, shortness of breath, or recurrent pneumonia, while people with mild symptoms may have no obvious symptoms, but regular checks are required to avoid long-term complications.

Treatment is usually divided into conservative drug therapy, interventional closure and surgical operation. Drug therapy is suitable for premature infants or mild cases. Indomethacin or ibuprofen can be used to help closure of the ductus by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. Interventional closure is a minimally invasive therapy suitable for children over 6 months old and patients with low risk of ductal stenosis and high pressure. In severe cases or when drugs and interventions are ineffective, surgery is the final option to cut or suture the arterial duct to solve the problem.

Parents need to pay close attention to the development of their children, conduct physical examinations in a timely manner and follow up regularly. Early intervention can reduce the risk of serious complications. During the postoperative recovery period, it is important to increase nutritional intake, avoid excessive fatigue, and monitor heart function. Children who are premature or have obvious symptoms should go to the hospital for regular follow-up visits. With the treatment of professional doctors, most children with PDA can be effectively managed and even fully recover.