Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect that occurs when the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery to the aorta in fetal circulation, fails to close after birth. In a normal heart, the ductus arteriosus closes shortly after a baby is born, redirecting blood flow. However, in cases of PDA, the opening persists, allowing oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to mix, putting strain on the heart and potentially causing complications. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, poor weight gain, and an increased risk of respiratory infections. Timely diagnosis and intervention, often through medication or surgical closure, are crucial in managing PDA and preventing long-term complications in affected individuals.