Patent ductus arteriosus

Abstract

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the most common cardiac abnormality of the preterm infant. Its incidence is inversely related to gestational age, such that it affects almost 60% of infants less than 28 weeks’ gestation. Data published in 2007 demonstrated that spontaneous closure of the ductus occurs in 30% of infants with birthweights below 1500 g (very low birth weight [VLBW]) [1]. It is obvious that percentages are decreasing for each lower birthweight category (Table 80.1), but also that a markedly wide variation exists among centers. This may reflect the influence of varying factors on the closure of the ductus.