Does a newborn with patent ductus arteriosus need to take medicine?

Whether a newborn with patent ductus arteriosus needs to take medicine depends on the severity of the condition and the impact of the patent ductus. If the symptoms are mild and the ductus is small, no special intervention can be taken through follow-up observation, but if the patent ductus causes increased cardiac burden or other symptoms, medication is generally used for treatment.

Patent ductus arteriosus is a common cardiovascular malformation in newborns, mainly caused by the failure of fetal circulation to close completely during the fetal period and after birth. Usually, the ductus arteriosus will close naturally within a few hours to a few days after birth, but if it fails to close, it may cause abnormal blood circulation, and in severe cases, it may cause increased cardiac burden or pulmonary hypertension. For some young patients with milder conditions, doctors will recommend regular follow-up and close observation of the baby's growth and development, because some patent ductus will heal itself as the baby gradually develops. If drug treatment is necessary, commonly used drugs include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or indomethacin), which help close the ductus by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. For cases where drug treatment is not effective, interventional treatment or surgical repair may be further considered.

Patent ductus arteriosus is a common cardiovascular malformation in newborns, mainly caused by the failure of fetal circulation to close completely during the fetal period and after birth. Usually, the ductus arteriosus will close naturally within a few hours to a few days after birth, but if it fails to close, it may cause abnormal blood circulation, and in severe cases, it may cause increased cardiac burden or pulmonary hypertension. For some young patients with milder conditions, doctors will recommend regular follow-up and close observation of the baby's growth and development, because some patent ductus will heal itself as the baby gradually develops. If drug treatment is necessary, commonly used drugs include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or indomethacin), which help close the ductus by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. For cases where drug treatment is not effective, interventional treatment or surgical repair may be further considered.

Parents should note that observation and intervention in the neonatal period are critical, and regular follow-up is particularly important. If the baby has symptoms such as shortness of breath, difficulty feeding, and slow weight gain, seek medical attention in a timely manner. Provide the baby with reasonable nutritional support at ordinary times, and strictly adjust the treatment plan according to the doctor's advice. Do not take medicine without authorization. Reasonable early intervention and care can help improve prognosis and avoid complications caused by disease progression.