How many days does it take for the patent ductus arteriosus of a newborn to close after medication?

Whether the patent ductus arteriosus of a newborn can be closed by medication and the time required for closure varies from individual to individual, and usually the effect may appear within 2 to 7 days after medication. However, the effect and time of treatment depend on the severity of the patent ductus arteriosus, the type of medication, and the physical condition of the newborn itself.

1. Causes and hazards of patent ductus arteriosus

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a cardiovascular disease caused by the failure of normal fetal structures to close on time, and is more common in premature infants. Possible causes include genetic factors, premature birth, physical immaturity, and infection or other adverse environmental factors during maternal pregnancy. Patent ductus arteriosus may cause abnormal blood flow, increase the burden on the heart, and long-term existence may lead to complications such as heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, so timely intervention is required.

2. Mechanism of drug treatment and drug selection

The commonly used drugs for the treatment of PDA are as follows:

-Indomethacin: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and helps close the ductus arteriosus. The effect of treatment usually begins to appear within 72 hours.

-Ibuprofen: Its mechanism of action is similar to that of indomethacin, but its effect on the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys is relatively small, and the symptoms usually close 3 to 7 days after taking the medicine.

- Acetaminophen: Consider use when indomethacin or ibuprofen is contraindicated (such as renal dysfunction). Some children take effect within 3 days after taking the medication.

Drug treatment needs to be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor to avoid the risk of side effects, such as kidney damage, gastrointestinal perforation, etc. At the same time, if the drug effect is not good, other treatments may be required, such as surgical intervention.

3. Non-drug treatment and nursing advice

For newborns whose ductus is not completely closed or whose ductus is not fully closed, the following two treatment options may be considered:

-Interventional occlusion: Minimally invasive surgery is used to close the lesion opening through the catheter. It is suitable for children with larger catheters.

-Surgery: A more traditional treatment method, mainly used in severe cases with large catheters and comorbidities.

During this process, parents need to pay close attention to the daily condition of the newborn, such as whether the baby is tired during feeding, whether the baby is breathing rapidly, etc., and keep the indoor environment clean to avoid infection. The newborn may also need to strengthen nutritional support during treatment to promote physical recovery and development.

4. Precautions and medical advice

If the newborn baby shows obvious discomfort, such as difficulty breathing, feeding, cyanosis of the skin, etc., he should seek medical attention immediately. During the follow-up after treatment, the heart function and duct closure should also be checked regularly to ensure recovery.

Drug treatment for patent ductus arteriosus is usually effective, but it requires time to observe. If the treatment is ineffective, non-drug intervention can also be selected. Parents need to cooperate with the doctor to adopt the best plan as required.