CLINICAL MEDICINE

Detailed explanation-1: -After birth, the ductus arteriosus is no longer needed. It usually closes within 2 to 3 days. But in some infants, the opening doesn’t close. When it stays open, it’s called a patent ductus arteriosus.

Detailed explanation-2: -If a small PDA stays open, the baby may eventually develop heart symptoms. Babies with a larger PDA could develop heart problems such as heart failure, high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, or an infection of the inner lining of the heart if the PDA does not close.

Detailed explanation-3: -The ductus arteriosus is functionally closed by 12 to 24 hours of age in healthy, full-term newborns. Permanent (anatomic) closure is complete within 2 to 3 weeks.

Detailed explanation-4: -Results: The delay in closure of the ductus arteriosus was dose dependent. A large dose of indomethacin (10 mg/kg) 1 or 2 days before birth induced a delay of 3-4 times. A timing study revealed maximum delay with administration of indomethacin 2 days before birth and minimum delay with administration 5 days before.

Detailed explanation-5: -Surgery can close PDAs. Surgical closure is often advised for babies younger than 6 months who have large defects and symptoms such as poor weight gain and fast breathing. For babies who don’t have symptoms, any surgery may be delayed until after age 6 to 12 months.