Patent Ductus Arteriosus

A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a duct-dependent congenital heart lesion in which prostaglandin-mediated ductal patency is essential for maintaining adequate circulation. In certain lesions, such as pulmonary atresia or severe coarctation of the aorta, the PDA plays a critical role by sustaining either pulmonary or systemic blood flow. The same lesion can therefore cause both respiratory congestion and poor delivery of blood to the kidneys, gut, and other organs. Accurate diagnosis requires echocardiography rather than auscultation alone to determine the specific lesion present. In cases where a duct-dependent lesion is identified, ibuprofen is contraindicated due to its effect on ductal closure; instead, prostaglandin E1 is administered to preserve ductal patency and maintain circulation. Thus, prostaglandin E1 is used selectively in these congenital heart defects to keep the ductus arteriosus open.