Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in Preterm Infants
The Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Closure Program for Preterm Infants at Cincinnati Children’s evaluates and treats premature infants with PDA, a heart condition that affects breathing. If we diagnose your newborn with PDA, our Heart Institute specialists will work closely with neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) physicians to provide the compassionate, expert care your baby needs.
What Is PDA?
PDA occurs when a blood vessel that normally closes after birth remains open. In premature infants, this extra blood flow can cause rapid breathing and put a strain on the heart.
Before birth, babies have a blood vessel—called the ductus arteriosus—that helps blood bypass the lungs while they develop in the womb. This vessel usually closes shortly after birth once your baby’s lungs start working. With PDA, that vessel stays open. As a result, extra blood flows to the lungs, making it harder for your baby to breathe and eat.
Is PDA More Common in Premature Babies?
Yes, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is more common in premature infants, and the earlier a baby is born, the greater the risk. The good news is that many cases close on their own over time, though some may require treatment.
How Doctors Diagnose PDA
We typically detect PDA while your baby is still in the NICU. To diagnose the condition, we:
- Listen for a heart murmur
- Monitor their breathing, feeding and growth
- Perform an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
How Doctors Decide If PDA Closure Is Needed
Most cases of PDA resolve on their own. But PDAs that cause symptoms require treatment. To determine if your child needs care, we examine the size of the PDA and how it affects their other organs. We also consider their:
- Breathing needs
- Feeding and growth
- Heart function and blood flow
