Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Book AppointmentPatent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common congenital birth defect in which the temporary blood vessel, called ductus arteriosus, fails to close soon after birth.
In a healthy body, the blood travels from the heart to the lungs via the pulmonary artery for oxygenation. This oxygen-rich blood is then pumped to the rest of the body through the aorta. In the womb, instead of passing through the lungs, the blood flows directly from the pulmonary artery to the aorta, with the help of the ductus arteriosus, as the foetus gets its oxygenated blood from the mother. When the dustus arteriosus remains open after birth, the oxygen –rich blood from the aorta merges with oxygen-poor blood in the pulmonary artery causing complications such as pulmonary hypertension (increase in blood pressure in the lungs)
The exact cause of PDA is unknown, but some risk factors associated with it include:
Premature birth
History of PDA in family
Rubella (German measles) infection in mother during pregnancy
High altitude birth
When to seek expert advise
Contact our Paediatric Cardiologists at the Department of Paediatrics at The Aga Khan University Hospital, if you notice any of the above mentioned symptoms in your baby or older child.
Disclaimer
The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.
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