When do you worry about a patent ductus arteriosus?

Seldom: In a child whose ductus has not closed, the decision to try to induce closure with medication, or to ligate, is made by the physicians. An older child's patent ductus missed in infancy may be picked up as a murmur; it is not subtle, and usually needs treatment to prevent damage to the lungs and to enable junior to keep up in sports.

Fixed by school age: Pda's may require medicine closure or surgery in a frail premi . The energy drain from the excessive heart work may prevent progress in the nicu. In stable infants they are often watched. If they are missed or picked up in middle childhood, elective closure is often advised & can often be done through a catheter.