View source for Ductus arteriosus abnormal closure

{{SI}}

{{CMG}} 

'''Associate Editors-In-Chief:''' {{CZ}}; [[User:KeriShafer|Keri Shafer, M.D.]] [mailto:kshafer@bidmc.harvard.edu]

{{EH}}

==Patent ductus arteriosus==
Patent ductus arteriosus, or PDA, is a [[heart]] condition that is normal but reverses soon after birth. In a persistent PDA, there is an irregular transmission of blood between two of the most important [[arteries]] in close proximity to the heart. Although the [[ductus arteriosus]]  normally seals off within a few days, in PDA, the newborn's ductus arteriosus does not close, but remains patent. PDA is common in infants with persistent [[respiration (physiology)|respiratory]] problems such as [[hypoxia (medical)|hypoxia]], and has a high occurrence in [[premature birth|premature children]]. In hypoxic newborns, too little [[oxygen]] reaches the lungs to produce sufficient levels of bradykinin and subsequent closing of the DA. Premature children are more likely to be hypoxic and thus have PDA because of their underdeveloped heart and lungs.In some babies, on the other hand, the ductus arteriosus remains open. This opening permits [[blood]] to surge unswervingly starting from the [[aorta]] into the [[pulmonary artery]].

A patent ductus arteriosus allows oxygenated blood to flow down its pressure gradient from the [[aorta]] to the pulmonary arteries. Thus, some of the infant's oxygenated blood does not reach the body, and the infant becomes short of breath. The [[heart rate]] hastens, thereby increasing the speed with which blood is oxygenated and delivered to the body. Left untreated, the infant will likely suffer from [[congestive heart failure]], as his heart is unable to meet the [[metabolism|metabolic]] demands of his body.

In some cases, such as in [[transposition of the great vessels]] (the [[pulmonary artery]] and the [[aorta]]), a PDA may need to remain open. In this cardiovascular condition, the PDA is the only way that oxygenated blood can mix with deoxygenated blood. In these cases, [[prostaglandins]] are used to keep the patent ductus arteriosus open.

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category: Cardiology]]

{{WH}}

{{WS}}