Title:Pathophysiology of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in the Preterm Infant
Volume: 12
Issue: 2
Author(s): Joseph J. Vettukattil
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Patent ductus arteriosus, extremely premature neonate, pathophysiology, pulmonary blood flow.
Abstract: The ductus arteriosus is a muscular artery connecting two elastic arteries with different resistances.
It is a normal fetal structure that only becomes pathological if it remains patent after birth.
A varied clinical impact is observed as some neonates may be asymptomatic, symptoms may be deferred
until later in life, or the infant may be overtly symptomatic and present as early as the first days
of life. Prematurity increases the likelihood of persistent ductal patency and is seen in about 30% of
preterm infants. In premature neonates, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is associated with significant
morbidity and mortality [1,2]. This discussion explains the pathophysiology behind the pathological
events associated with PDA.
