What is the cause of patent ductus arteriosus in newborns?

Patent ductus arteriosus in newborns is usually a congenital heart problem, which may be caused by abnormal blood circulation in the fetal period or premature birth, and requires detailed examination and treatment under the guidance of a doctor.

When the fetus is in the mother's body, the ductus arteriosus is an important channel connecting the pulmonary artery and the aorta, helping the blood from the undeveloped lungs flow directly to the whole body. After birth, as the baby takes his first breath, the ductus arteriosus usually closes and blood flows to the lungs for oxygen exchange. If this process is not completed, the ductus arteriosus will remain open, forming a "patent ductus arteriosus".

This condition is more common in premature infants and may be related to the immature development of the fetus. Sometimes it is also related to low birth weight, neonatal infection or certain diseases of the mother before birth (such as diabetes). A patent ductus arteriosus may increase the workload of the heart, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and difficulty feeding. If severe, it may also lead to heart failure or pulmonary hypertension.

Parents need to pay attention to whether their baby has abnormal symptoms such as feeding difficulties, frequent crying, and shortness of breath. Once discovered, the child should be taken to the doctor as soon as possible, and the doctor will perform cardiac ultrasound and other examinations to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the condition. The treatment method varies depending on the situation and may include medication, catheter closure or surgery. With timely intervention, most babies recover well and have a good prognosis.