What is Persistent Ductus Arteriosus?
Persistent means continuing to exist. Ductus arteriosus (or arterial duct) is the name of the tube that carries blood between the aorta and the pulmonary artery in the foetus. So persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a tube that continues to exist in the baby even after he or she is born. In newborn babies, the ductus arteriosus normally closes at or shortly after birth. Sometimes, however, the mechanism of closure does not work and the connection continues to remain open persistent ductus arteriosus. This condition is also called patent (meaning open) ductus arteriosus. Before birth, the normal foetal circulation depends on the passage of blood from the pulmonary artery to the aorta through the ductus arteriosus. The duct starts to close in the first hours after birth. If the duct does not close, blood will pass from the aorta to the pulmonary artery and into the lungs. This will give the heart and lungs extra work to do. This is a common condition in babies who are born prematurely.
