Patent Ductus Arteriosus Learning Center
Print
Email
SaveAdvertisement
Advertisement
Welcome
 |
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a condition where the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel that allows blood to bypass the baby's lungs before birth, fails to normally close after birth. The word "patent" means open. |
Basic Info
Symptoms
A small PDA may not cause any symptoms. However, most infants do not tolerate a PDA and may have symptoms such as: Bo...
Causes
Before birth, the ductus arteriosus allows blood to bypass the baby's lungs by connecting the pulmonary arteries (whi...
Tests
Babies with PDA often have a characteristic heart murmur that can be heard with a stethoscope. However, in premature ...
Treatments
The goal of treatment, if the rest of circulation is normal or close to normal, is to close the PDA. In the presence ...
Complications
If the patent ductus is not closed, the infant has a risk of developing heart failure, bleeding in the lungs, problem...
Prevention
Preventing preterm deliveries, where possible, is the most effective way to prevent PDA.
Doctor Specialties
This condition is usually diagnosed by a doctor examining your infant. Breathing and feeding problems in an infant ca...
Basic Info
In Depth
In Depth
Multimedia
|
Multimedia
 |
 |
Home | About | Health Experts | Careers | Site Map | Feedback | Help | Health Tools | Tell a Friend
Advertise | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Advertise | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2005 - 2008 Healthline Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.