Can patent ductus arteriosus be treated with medication?

Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
Updated on March 30, 2025
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The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery to the aorta in the fetal heart, primarily used during the embryonic stage to supply blood from the mother to the heart, thus providing sufficient oxygenated blood for fetal development and growth. Generally, the ductus arteriosus should close automatically within three months after birth. If it remains open for over a year, it may indicate a congenital heart defect known as patent ductus arteriosus. Previously, high doses of aspirin were used to treat this condition, but this treatment was not very effective. Patients with patent ductus arteriosus should instead consider minimally invasive interventional treatments to seal the duct, or surgical ligation can be performed. However, surgical ligation may cause significant trauma or scarring to the patient. The majority of cases with patent ductus arteriosus can be treated using minimally invasive methods.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Will patent ductus arteriosus increase with age?

Patent ductus arteriosus is a type of congenital heart disease, primarily treated through surgery. Early surgical intervention can completely cure this disease. However, as age increases, the symptoms of this disease can become more severe. Based on the patient's condition, it is recommended to undergo early surgical treatment at a hospital to alleviate the patient's suffering. As age increases, various organic diseases may emerge, which can sometimes affect a child's growth and development. During this period, it is advised that the patient regularly revisits the hospital for echocardiography checks and to also be cautious in preventing upper respiratory infections.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Which is more serious, patent ductus arteriosus or ventricular septal defect?

Both of these diseases are types of congenital heart disease, and if there are issues with either of them, the situation can be quite severe. There isn't a distinction between which disease is severe and which is not. If the arterial duct remains open or does not close, surgery is still required for this condition. Patients with ventricular septal defect primarily display changes related to ischemia and hypoxia, and they may also experience recurrent respiratory infections, which are quite serious. Surgery is generally the best treatment. Early surgical intervention can achieve a complete cure, but it is also advisable for the patient to have regular echocardiographic check-ups at the hospital.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Does patent ductus arteriosus cause easy sweating?

The arterial duct is prone to sweating. During this period, it is best to advise patients to monitor changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse. Sometimes there may be incidences of rapid heart rate, as this is a type of congenital heart disease. If a patient is prone to respiratory infections, especially pneumonia, this condition can lead to a decrease in resistance. For such patients with weak constitution, they are more likely to sweat. In terms of treatment, early surgical intervention is advised to alleviate the sweating, and preparations should be made early on.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Is a 4mm patent ductus arteriosus considered large?

Patent ductus arteriosus is a type of congenital heart disease. Generally, patients around the age of six months to one year may not necessarily have their ductus arteriosus close. If it does not close by around one year of age, it is considered a congenital heart disease, and it is recommended to seek early surgical treatment at a hospital. Surgery is needed if the condition exceeds approximately 4mm in size. If the patient currently shows no symptoms, it is possible to initially observe the condition. However, if symptoms persist, accompanied by palpitations, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, especially if respiratory infections recur, treatment is necessary.

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Written by Tang Li
Cardiology
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How to treat patent ductus arteriosus?

The arterial duct connects the main pulmonary artery to the descending aorta, serving as the primary channel for blood circulation during the fetal period. After birth, it generally becomes obstructed within a few months due to disuse; if it remains open after one year, it is referred to as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The length and diameter of an unclosed arterial duct vary, affecting hemodynamics differently, and consequently, prognoses differ. An unclosed arterial duct can easily induce infectious endocarditis; thus, even if the shunt is small, it is advisable to seek early interventional or surgical treatment. The surgery has a high safety success rate and can be performed at any age. However, surgery is contraindicated for patients who have developed secondary pulmonary artery obstruction and exhibit right-to-left shunting.