How to treat patent ductus arteriosus in newborns

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a neonatal heart disease that requires different treatments depending on the severity of the condition, including medication, interventional therapy, surgical treatment, etc. Conservative treatment can be tried for mild to moderate symptoms, while severe cases require early intervention.

1. Drug treatment of patent ductus arteriosus

For premature infants or infants with milder conditions, drug therapy is the first choice. Commonly used drugs include indomethacin, ibuprofen, and other drugs that inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, thereby helping the ductus arteriosus to close. During treatment, the child's renal function, gastrointestinal condition, and platelet count must be strictly monitored because these drugs may have side effects. Drug therapy is usually effective, but it is only suitable for specific cases.

2. Interventional treatment of patent ductus arteriosus

For children who are not responsive to drug treatment or are older, interventional treatment can be chosen. Doctors use catheter technology to insert a closure device through the femoral artery to close the arterial ductus. This method is less invasive and has a quick recovery. It is suitable for most children, especially those with a larger catheter diameter or significant blood flow diversion. The surgical risk is low and the prognosis is usually very good after surgery.

3. Surgical treatment of patent ductus arteriosus

If the ductus arteriosus of the child is too large or accompanied by other complex heart malformations, open-chest surgery is recommended as soon as possible. The surgery mainly closes the ductus by clipping or ligating it, and the success rate of the surgery is high, but a certain period of postoperative monitoring and recovery is required. Since this is a more direct treatment method, it is suitable for sudden and severe cases that are not well treated with drugs and interventional treatments.

4. Assisted care and long-term management

Regardless of the treatment method used, newborns need special care during the postoperative recovery period, including prevention of infection, maintaining a good nutritional status, and regular follow-up checks on heart function. It is not suitable for children to engage in strenuous activities, and attention should be paid to monitoring for complications after surgery, such as heart failure or pulmonary hypertension.

Mild cases of patent ductus arteriosus can be treated with medication, while severe cases require interventional or surgical treatment. Regular follow-up, postoperative care, and improved living environment can improve the treatment effect. If you suspect that your newborn has heart abnormalities, you should go to the hospital as soon as possible to get a professional treatment plan.