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Patent Ductus
Arteriosus (PDA)
This is the most common
problem in very premature babies, it occurs when the Ductus
Arteriousus (DA), a blood vessel connecting the
pulmonary artery and aorta, fails to close fully after birth.
Why this should happen
is not clear, however the Ductus Arteriosus in the premature
baby behaves differently from that of a term baby, in particular
it would seem to be less responsive to the constricting effect
of oxygen.
When a PDA is present blood
may pass from the aorta to the pulmonary artery and then to
the lungs, increasing the flow of blood through the lungs.
This may lead to the left side of the heart having to work
harder and if the baby can not adapt to this extra effort
the heart failure can develop.
PDA in premature babies with RDS
PDA can seriously complicate the care of
babies already suffering from RDS
:
- The left side of the baby’s
heart has to work harder and therefore requires a larger
amount of oxygen
- Fluid accumulates in the lungs
due to increased blood flow through the lung which makes
the lungs stiffer and it is therefore harder for the baby
to breathe
- The blood pressure in vessels
of the lungs increases and can lead to lung problems
Treatment
- Fluid supply to the baby are decreased
- Closure of the DA can be achieved
by giving the baby specific drugs
- Surgery
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