PDA in newborn babies is an abnormality that occurs in the heart. It can result in enlarged heart and lung changes. Doctors perform echocardiograms to check the electrical activity of the heart and look for abnormal heart rhythms. An EKG is another common diagnostic test to diagnose PDA. It records the electrical activity of the heart and can identify if the heart is enlarged. Both tests may be necessary to diagnose PDA in newborn babies.
PDA occurs when the ductus arteriosus doesn’t close properly, leaving a small opening that allows extra blood to flow directly into the lungs. This extra blood puts strain on the heart and increases blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. Although a small PDA may not cause any complications, large PDAs can cause problems, including enlargement of the heart and fluid buildup in the lungs.
Surgery is another treatment for PDA in children and adults. Surgery may be recommended if the defects are large and do not seal properly. The risks of this procedure include bleeding, infection, and paralysis of the diaphragm. However, the benefits far outweigh the risks. If you’re concerned about your baby’s health, consult your doctor today. They can help you make the right decision for your child.
If your child is premature, doctors may suspect PDA when they notice breathing problems or a heart murmur. The heart murmur may not be noticeable in the early stages of life, but your doctor will most likely conduct an echocardiogram. It’s a painless test that uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart. Sound waves bounce off the heart and are converted into pictures by a computer.
Sometimes, doctors may use a catheter to close the PDA without surgery. It is also possible to use a device called an occlusion balloon that works through a thin hollow tube. In this procedure, the doctor inserts a small metal coil through the catheter. The device blocks the blood flow through the PDA, and the child can recover faster. However, if the catheter procedure fails, a surgical procedure may be needed. The surgeon will make a small cut between the ribs and insert a soft wire mesh closure device.
The symptoms of PDA may vary depending on how large the opening is. A small opening may not cause any symptoms at all, but a large one may cause a heart murmur. If left untreated, PDA can lead to long-term lung damage. Fortunately, most children with PDA receive treatment before they have these problems. However, the symptoms may differ from one another, so a physician should be consulted immediately.
If PDA in newborn babies causes heart symptoms, treatment may involve surgical closure of the ductus arteriosus. The ductus is supposed to close during the first few days of life, but sometimes it does not. This is more common in premature infants and in the first 2 years of life. It rarely closes in full-term infants. When it does, it causes infection of the inner lining of the heart.
