The dangers of patent ductus arteriosus in children

For children, patent ductus arteriosus may cause a series of hazards, which may be serious or even life-threatening. Some children may gradually close their ductus arteriosus during their development, which is the life channel that children with ductus arteriosus rely on for survival. So, what are the dangers of patent ductus arteriosus in children? Let’s find out through the following content!

Regardless of whether the heart is in systole or diastole, the aortic pressure is higher than the pulmonary artery pressure, and abnormal blood flow continues to flow from the aorta to the pulmonary artery, which is what doctors usually call left-to-right shunt. This causes an increase in blood flow in the pulmonary circulation, causing the pulmonary artery and its branches to expand, and the blood flow returning to the left atrium and left ventricle also increases accordingly. The diastolic load of the left atrium and ventricle increases, and the ascending aorta expands. The size of the shunt flow depends on the size of the patent ductus arteriosus lumen and the pressure gradient between the aorta and the pulmonary artery.

In the late stage of pulmonary hypertension, obstructive pulmonary vascular disease has already occurred, and the pulmonary artery pressure is close to or exceeds the aortic pressure, then right-to-left shunt, right ventricular hypertrophy, cyanosis and clubbing may occur. Because the shunt level is distal to the left subclavian artery of the descending aorta, cyanosis is more obvious in the lower limbs. This may mean missing the opportunity for surgery.

In mild cases, there may be no obvious symptoms, while in severe cases, heart failure may occur. Common symptoms include palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue after exertion, susceptibility to respiratory infections and developmental problems. Bacterial endarteritis has become less common since the widespread use of antibiotics. In the late stage, when pulmonary hypertension is severe and reverse right-to-left shunt occurs, cyanosis of the lower body occurs.

After reading the above, I believe you already know the dangers of patent ductus arteriosus in children! If the ductus arteriosus has not closed before the child is one year old, the child should be taken to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment. Unclosed ductus arteriosus is a common congenital heart disease in children. It is more common in girls and the harm is also greater, so parents should pay more attention to it.