PDA, often referred to as Patent Ductus Arteriosus, is a serious cardiac ailment that appears in newborns within the first few days or weeks of life. It occurs when the blood channel known as the ductus Arterious doesn't naturally seal after birth as it should.
One of the typical components of a kid that circulates blood before birth is the ductus arteriosus. The pulmonary artery and aorta are connected by this blood channel, which is also known as an additional blood vessel. Both of these arteries provide vital services by sending blood to the body and lungs.
Because of the ductus arteriosus, which helps bypass blood through the lungs before childbirth, the unborn child receives oxygen from the mother while still within the womb. The umbilical chord is severed during childbirth, and the newborn's lungs must now provide oxygen to the body. As the lungs expand during this process, the blood arteries loosen up to allow for the flow of more blood. In the first few hours of life, the ductus arteriosus shuts.
But PDA refers to a condition where the ductus arteriosus doesn't shut on its own. The best cardiologists in Chandigarh contend that while full-term infants occasionally have this issue, preterm infants are thought to be the major culprits.
How widespread is PDA?
One of the most frequent cardiac problems in newborns is PDA, which the top cardiologist in Chandigarh routinely identifies in preterm infants. But if the baby is born early, there is a significant danger.
10% of infants delivered between weeks 30 and 37 of pregnancy
80 percent of infants delivered between weeks 25 and 28 of pregnancy
90% of births occur before 24 weeks of pregnancy.
How are PDAs handled?
The medical professional will initially enquire about the baby's varied symptoms and examine their medical history. They next have a physical examination during which their heartbeat and many other things are checked. To address this problem, the infant is then forwarded to a paediatric cardiologist. The infant will also go through certain tests, such as a chest X-ray, echo, ECG, and catheterization.
However, the entire course of treatment is dependent on the baby's age, signs, and, most importantly, overall health. The doctor will choose the best course of treatment based on the symptoms, which may involve surgery, medication, or heart catheterization.
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