Effects of a clinically detectable PDA on pulmonary mechanics measures in VLBW infants with RDS.

We examined the effect of a clinically detectable patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and its successful treatment with indomethacin on serial measures of pulmonary mechanics in 10 very-low-birthweight (VLBW) intubated infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Pulmonary mechanics were measured by the passive expiratory flow technique. Total respiratory system compliance (Crs) gradually improved as RDS resolved. However, a significant decrease in mean Crs was associated with the development of a clinically detectable PDA, ranging from 1.51 +/- 0.21 to 0.90 +/- 0.08 mL/cmH2O/m (P less than 0.05). We also noted an increase in mean Crs, from 0.90 +/- 0.08 to 1.49 +/- 0.21 mL/cmH2O/m (P less than 0.05), after successful treatment of a PDA with indomethacin. Total respiratory system resistance (Rrs) did not change. We conclude that a clinically significant PDA is associated with a decreased Crs and that successful treatment of a PDA with indomethacin is associated with an improvement in lung compliance. These findings imply that the development of a clinically detectable PDA and its subsequent treatment complicates the interpretation of pulmonary mechanics data in VLBW infants with RDS.     

The timing of spontaneous closure of the ductus arteriosus in infants with respiratory distress syndrome

Previous studies evaluating the incidence of patent ductus arteriosus have not made a distinction between physiologic ductal patency and abnormally persistent ductus arteriosus. However, it has recently been shown that healthy premature infants without respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) undergo spontaneous closure of the ductus arteriosus in the first 4 days of life at times comparable to full-term infants. Thus, ductal patency within this time frame would appear to be physiologic. Although sick premature infants are well recognized to be at risk for ductal shunting, the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate systematically the actual impact that RDS has on duration of ductal shunting by assessing the timing of spontaneous functional closure. The presence of ductal shunting was evaluated using echocardiographic color flow Doppler techniques. Thirty-six premature infants (30 to 37 weeks gestational age) were evaluated. By the fourth day of life, only 4 of 36 (11.1%) of the infants continued to have evidence of ductal patency. The remainder of the infants underwent spontaneous functional closure of the ductus arteriosus at times comparable to healthy infants without RDS. For most infants greater than or equal to 30 weeks gestation, uncomplicated RDS does not alter the usual timing of functional ductal closure.     

Oral pharmacological treatment for patent ductus arteriosus in premature neonates with hemodynamic repercussions

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of oral indomethacin, ibuprofen, and paracetamol in oral dosage form on patent ductus arteriosus(PDA) in premature neonates with significant clinical and hemodynamic repercussions(CHRs) and to determine the effect of these respective treatments on renal function.Methods: A retrospective study of cases of PDA in premature neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit was conducted. The treatments consisted of indomethacin[0.2 mg/(kg$d), 3-day cycle], ibuprofen [10 mg/(kg$d) followed by 5 mg/(kg$d), 3-day cycle], and paracetamol(15 mg/kg every 6 h, 5-day cycle). The drugs were administered as an oral solution. The following variables were considered: gestational age,newborn weight at birth, Apgar score, diuresis, serum creatinine and urea levels, and serum electrolyte levels(sodium and potassium).Results: Treatment with indomethacin presented efficacy of 87.5% in closure of the ductus with a mean outcome period of 3.5 d. In premature neonates with CHRs and contraindications for indomethacin, the initial treatment with either ibuprofen or paracetamol failed to close the ductus. However, when this treatment was followed by indomethacin, closure occurred in 66.7% of the neonates, with an outcome period of9.66 d. The initial treatment with one cycle of ibuprofen followed by one or two cycles of paracetamol failed to close the ductus.Conclusions: Oral indomethacin was effective for closure of the PDA in premature neonates with severe CHRs. Oral paracetamol or ibuprofen for PDA closure in premature neonates with severe CHRs and contraindications for indomethacin was ineffective.However, results in clinical improvements of neonates allowed the subsequent use of indomethacin and successful closure of the ductus. A significant reduction of diuresis occurred in neonates who were treated with indomethacin, either as a first-line treatment or after the failure of ibuprofen or paracetamol.     

经导管介入治疗婴幼儿大型动脉导管未闭临床疗效

目的探讨应用导管介入治疗直径≥5mm婴幼儿大型动脉导管未闭（patent ductus arteriosus．PDA）的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析60例大型PDA（直径≥5mm）患儿的临床资料,着重分析手术方法、临床疗效和随访结果。结果56例PDA采用Amplatzer或国产先健动脉导管封堵器．3例采用膜部室间隔缺损封堵器,1例采用肌部室间隔缺损封堵器。封堵成功率为98．3％（59／60）,术后1d超声心动图显示15％（9／60）微量至少量残余分流,术后3月超声心动图复查未见残余分流：3例采用室间隔缺损封堵器患儿术后12月超声心动图示左肺动脉血流速度增快。结论应用导管介入治疗直径≥5mm婴幼儿大型PDA是安全、有效的方法。     

Transcatheter management of patent ductus arteriosus in sick ventilated small infants

BACKGROUND: Large patent ductus arteriosus can present in infancy with congestive cardiac failure and superadded pulmonary infection can necessitate mechanical ventilation. Surgical intervention is traditionally indicated for this subset of patients. We present our experience of transcatheter coil closure of the patent ductus arteriosus in such infants. METHODS AND RESULTS: Five infants weighing between 960 gm and 4.1 kg, aged between 17 days and 3 1/2 months were mechanically ventilated because of congestive cardiac failure with pneumonia. Echocardiography showed patient ductus arteriosus with a size of 1.8 to 4.2 mm and adequate ampulla. Bioptome-assisted coil delivery was done and successful patient ductus arteriosus closure was achieved in all. There were two instances of embolization of coils with successful retrieval and redeployment. All infants could be weaned off mechanical ventilation over the next 24-72 hours. A pre-term infant developed a Doppler gradient of 25 mmHg in the descending aorta that decreased to 12 mmHg five months later. There was no significant obstruction to pulmonary artery flow in any child. At three months follow-up, all the five infants were asymptomatic with no residual flow across the patient ductus arteriosus. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter coil closure of moderate to large patent ductus arteriosus is possible in sick ventilated infants weighing below 5 kg. It may be a better alternative to surgery in selected cases in view of minimal morbidity.     

Combined noninvasive assessment of the patent ductus arteriosus in the preterm infant before and after indomethacin treatment

Fifteen preterm infants who weighed 0.7 to 2.0 kg and had clinical evidence of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) were studied by combined 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography before and after the administration of indomethacin. In 10 patients the PDA was widely patent at the time of the study and in 5 the lumen was narrow. In this latter group, the PDA was narrow at the pulmonary artery end in 2 patients, in the middle in 2 patients and at the aortic end and the middle in 1 patient. After the administration of intravenous indomethacin, the PDA closed completely in 12 patients and constricted in 3. The patterns of closure could be documented in those in whom serial studies were performed. In 3 patients, closure occurred after a single dose of indomethacin, in 3 after 2 doses and in the rest after a full course of 3 doses. Doppler interrogation at the aortic and pulmonary artery end of the PDA demonstrated the shunting patterns and provided a reliable assessment of patency after the ductal lumen was outside the range of lateral resolution following constriction. In no case did the PDA reopen after the course of indomethacin. This combined approach is a reliable method of assessing a PDA before and after a course of indomethacin. It should provide the means to answer many of the questions regarding the effect of various manipulations on the PDA in the preterm infant.     

Effect of oral ibuprofen on patent ductus arteriosus in premature newborns

Background aim of the studyPatent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a common finding among premature infants, is conventionally treated by intravenous indomethacin. Intravenous ibuprofen was recently shown to be as effective and to have fewer adverse reactions in preterm infants. If equally effective, then oral ibuprofen for PDA closure would have several important advantages over the intravenous route. This study was designed to determine whether oral ibuprofen treatment is efficacious and safe in closure of a PDA in premature infants.Patients and methodsThirty-three premature group I (study group) were treated with ibuprofen 10 mg/kg administered through a feeding tube. Thirty-three premature group II (control group) receive placebo the two imaging procedures were again performed 24 h after each ibuprofen dose. When the PDA was still hemodynamically significant, as demonstrated by echocardiography, and there was no evidence of deterioration in brain ultrasonography, a second dose of ibuprofen 5 mg/kg (placebo for control) was administered. A third equivalent dose was given after another 24 h if necessary. Cranial ultrasound was repeated 1 week after the last ibuprofen dose and again before discharge from the ward. Hematochemical analysis was preformed daily in the unit during the first days of life.ResultsIn the study group the rate of PDA closure was 93.9% (31 of 33 cases) while in the control group the rate of PDA closure was 30.3% (10 of 33 cases) with significant difference in between. There was no reopening of the ductus after closure had been achieved. No infant required surgical ligation of the ductus in study group while in the control group 24.2% (8 of 33 cases) were required surgical ligation (Table 2). Twenty-one newborns were treated with 1 dose of ibuprofen, 9 were treated with 2 doses, and the remaining 3 were treated with 3 doses.ConclusionOral ibuprofen is an effective and safe alternative to intravenous ibuprofen for PDA closure in premature infants.     

Pharmacotherapy for patent ductus arteriosus closure

Even though up to 60% of premature infants less than 28 weeks gestation develop persistent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), there remains controversy regarding if, when, and how to close the PDA. Failure to close the PDA has been associated with significant morbidity but no cause‐and‐effect has been proven for short‐term or long‐term outcomes in modern times. Surgical closure has the advantage of eliminating the PDA, but short‐term complications and long‐term adverse outcomes are worrisome. Intravenous indomethacin has been the “gold standard” for pharmacologic treatment over the past 40 years with high closure rates and decreased incidence of severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and pulmonary hemorrhage with early treatment but without improvement in long‐term outcomes and with risk of renal toxicity. Intravenous ibuprofen has less vasoconstrictive toxicity than indomethacin with comparable closure rates but without improvement in IVH and with hyperbilirubinemia risks. Earlier this decade, acetaminophen (paracetamol) was discovered to effectively close the PDA with good short‐term safety profile. Although promising, acetaminophen treatment requires further studies regarding long‐term safety as well as ideal dosing and route of administration.     

Patent ductus arteriosus in the premature neonate

This article has reviewed current thought on the pathophysiology, medical management, and nursing implications of PDA in the premature newborn. The ductus arteriosus is a normal vascular channel that provides a route for blood flow to the descending aorta in the fetus; and it is an abnormal channel in the newborn that allows additional pulmonary blood flow to be shunted from the higher pressured aorta. Left heart volume overload and additional insults in connection with concurrent RDS and BPD were discussed. Current management for closure advocates indomethacin administration, and ligation, should indomethacin fail or be contraindicated. Continued patency with prostaglandin administration is the objective in cyanotic neonates with congenital heart disease and diminished pulmonary blood flow and in acyanotic neonates with aortic arch abnormalities that lead to decreased descending aortic flow. Nursing responsibilities encompass the well-being of the newborn as well as the family. The neonate must be assessed frequently for signs of cardiopulmonary deterioration. The neonate's responses to drug administration must be monitored for their effect on the ductus and the minimization of side effects. Care of the parents regarding support and information was discussed.     

Real-time bidimensional-color Doppler evaluation of patent ductus arteriosus

In order to assess the presence and severity of left-to-right shunt at ductal level, eleven patients with proven ductus arteriosus (PDA), ages 1 day to 16 years, were examined by real-time two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography. Eighteen subjects with no signs of cardiovascular disease were selected as normal controls. Normal pulmonary flow pattern was clearly visualized in the healthy subjects examined. The jet stream through the ductus was well imaged in the main pulmonary artery in patients with PDA and disappeared in two infants after pharmacologic manipulation with indomethacin. The colour-coded shunt area was related to the left-to-right shunt calculated at cardiac catheterization. Moreover, the combined use of colour-flow Doppler and continuous-wave Doppler yielded a reliable noninvasive assessment of pulmonary artery pressure.     

Hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus and the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is prevalent in premature newborns and has been linked to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a serious pulmonary complication of premature birth. Although a causal relationship has not been proven, the link is greatest among infants born at lower gestational age who are treated with mechanical ventilation in the presence of a large ductal shunt. Despite strong association in epidemiological studies, treatment of a patent ductus arteriosus has not been shown to prevent BPD, and some therapies may increase the risk of BPD. We describe preclinical and clinical data demonstrating the association of a PDA with BPD, highlight the effects of surgical and pharmacological treatment, and explore the implications of recent clinical trials for the management of PDA in the premature newborn.     

经导管堵塞婴幼儿动脉导管未闭89例体会

目的探讨经导管堵塞婴儿动脉导管未闭的疗效。方法对８９例动脉导管未闭患儿采用了４种不同堵塞装置治疗。结果总成功率９８．８８％（８８／８９），失败１例，严重并发症２例，术后２４小时内残余分流１９例（２１．３％），经１个月～３．５年随访，微量残余分流７流（７．０８％）。结论经心导管堵婴幼儿动脉导未闭安全、有效、操作简单、适应证广，可作为治疗婴幼儿动脉导管未闭的首选方法。     

Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery in a Preterm Infant: Presentation after Ligation of Ductus Arteriosus

Surgical or medical closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a very common practice in premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit, but often the coronary arteries are not delineated prior to closure. In this report, a 32‐week gestational age premature infant who underwent surgical ligation of a PDA developed new‐onset left ventricular systolic dysfunction. A repeat echocardiogram noted an anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery. Successful left coronary artery reimplantation with rapid normalization of left ventricular systolic function occurred. As previously not reported, ligation of a PDA in a premature infant can unmask anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery. Surgical left coronary artery reimplantation is the mainstay of therapy and should be performed to establish normal coronary blood flow, even in a premature, low birth weight infant.     

Non-surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus in children with the Rashkind double disk occluder

Since the first clinical application of transcatheter closure technique for patent ductus arteriosus in children and infants in 1977 by Rashkind and Coll., this technique is routinely performed only in a few major Pediatric Cardiology Centers. We report our successful series which is the first of its kind both in Italy and in Southern Europe. The series included 11 children aged 1.6 to 10 years (mean age 4.5 years) all affected with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Subaortic stenosis (1) and ventricular septal defect with pulmonary stenosis (1) were associated anomalies. In all of the cases, after the standard percutaneous cardiac catheterization, the Mullins method was attempted to advance and deliver the Rashkind PDA double-disk occluder. Successful closure was accomplished in 10 while almost complete closure was achieved in the 11th. Normal Doppler flow pattern after the procedure confirmed the successful results. No complications occurred. Although our experience is limited, non-surgical PDA closure provided an excellent alternative to surgical procedure.     

Successful closure of a large PDA with an Amplazter septal occluder in a child with heart failure and pulmonary hypertension--a case report

Transcatheter methods for closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) have been known as an effective technique for many years. The devices designed for interventional closure of PDA, coexisting with elevated pulmonary artery pressure are still far from ideal and there is a significant risk of embolisation into the aorta. We present a case of a 14-year-old girl with a large PDA, pulmonary hypertension and congestive heart failure. She underwent successful PDA closure with an Amplatzer atrial septal occluder (ASO), a device originally designed to close an atrial septal defect.     

Usefulness of pulsed doppler echocardiography in the diagnosis and medical therapy of patent ductus arteriosus in the newborn with respiratory distress

In preterm infants patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) may worsen the clinical course of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). Indomethacin is usually effective in producing duct closure in the first days of life, but clinical diagnosis is often difficult to perform in these patients. In recent years Pulsed Doppler Cross-Sectional Echocardiography (PD-CSE) has made it possible to identify the duct and to assess noninvasively the characteristics of blood flow within it. The aim of this study was to verify the utility of PD-CSE in the early diagnosis of PDA and to provide the basis for a more effective drug therapy. Among 51 patients with RDS, a significant PDA was evidenced in 20 with PD-CSE and in only 8/20 with physical and E-TM examination (p less than 0.01). Indomethacin administration produced duct closure in 19/20 patients (95%). In this study PD-CSE has been more sensitive than the other noninvasive procedures in the diagnosis of PDA; moreover, the success with drug therapy demonstrates the utility of this procedure in providing the basis of a more effective treatment of the duct.     

Percutaneous Closure of a Large PDA in a 35‐Year‐Old Man with Elevated Pulmonary Vascular Resistance

The presence of a large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) may result in significant pulmonary hypertension, which may not be reversible. We present the case of a 35‐year‐old man with pulmonary hypertension who had successful percutaneous closure of a large PDA with an Amplatzer muscular ventricular septal defect occluder and resolution of his pulmonary hypertension. The use of prior balloon test occlusion of the PDA suggested that the procedure would be successful, despite the lack of an immediate fall in the pulmonary artery pressure.     

Effect of early furosemide administration in neonates with respiratory distress syndrome

The effect of early furosemide-induced diuresis was prospectively evaluated in 39 neonates less than 24 hr of age with clinical respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) who received either four doses of furosemide (1 mg/kg) or no diuretic. Measurements of FiO2 alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (P[A-a]O2), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), and urine output as a fraction of intake (O/I) were averaged for every 8 hr. The furosemide group overall showed a significant decrease (P less than 0.01) in FiO2, P[A-a]O2, and PIP with an earlier (32 hr vs 52 hr) and more pronounced diuresis (35% greater O/I) when compared to the controls. This effect was accentuated in the subgroup with 1,000-1,500 g birth weight (significantly lower FiO2 and P(A-a)O2 from 16 to 48 hours), while no increase in urine output was observed for the infants weighing less than 1,000 g. A significant reduction in supplemental oxygen and need for ventilatory support at 96 hr of age was observed in the furosemide-treated, less than 1,500-g infants. The incidence of patent ductus arteriosus was not increased following furosemide therapy, and no significant difference in echocardiographic parameters was observed in 21 infants from both groups, who were followed daily during the first week of life. This study suggests that early furosemide-induced diuresis, particularly in infants weighing 1,000-1,500 g at birth, promotes improvement in pulmonary functions in RDS and leads to faster reduction in oxygen and ventilatory support.     

Surgical Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Low Birth Weight Infants

Background and Aim of the Study. In many preterm low‐birth‐weight infants, ductus arteriosus fails to close spontaneously. This study evaluates the results of surgical ligation of symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm low birth weight infants. Methods. We reviewed the medical records of all infants undergoing surgical closure of PDA from January 1987 to December 2005. Demographic data, age and weight at operation, surgical technique to close PDA and outcome were analyzed. Results. One hundred and forty‐five infants underwent surgical closure of PDA in which either indomethacin treatment had failed or was contraindicated. The mean gestational age was 25.5 ± 2.3 (range 24–36 weeks) and the mean birth weight was 837.7 ± 277.2 g (450–1000 g). The average age and weight at operation were 14.1 (±1.8) days and 881.7 g (±338.1), respectively. PDA was surgically closed by left thoracotomy using either nonabsorbable suture (73%) or hemoclips (27%). Postoperative complications occurred in 10 patients, which included intraoperative bleeding (6), pneumothorax (1), left vocal cord paralysis (1), lymphatic leak (1), and injury to left phrenic nerve (1). There was no mortality related to surgical closure of PDA. Conclusion. We conclude that surgical closure of hemodynamically significant PDA is safe and effective in preterm low birth weight infants when pharmacological treatment is ineffective or contraindicated. The associated morbidity is minimal and no surgery‐related mortality was observed.     

Noninvasive assessment of indomethacin therapy in patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants

We performed 138 serial two-dimensional (2-D), M-mode, and Doppler echocardiographic studies to assess the efficacy of intravenous indomethacin (INDO) therapy for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in 41 preterm infants. Nine infants expired without sufficient echo data to warrant inclusion in the study. Of the remaining 32 infants, 12 (Group 1) required ligation despite INDO therapy, 18 (Group 2) responded to INDO or spontaneously closed their PDAs, and 2 were transferred to other hospitals with their PDAs still open and were lost to follow-up. The presence of PDA was verified by 2-D echo visualization of the ductus (high parasternal short-axis views) and Doppler demonstration of high velocity ductal flow toward the main pulmonary artery. The ratio of PDA lumen to aortic root inner diameter (Ao) was measured as well. Indication for surgical ligation was failure of the PDA to close after 3 or more courses of INDO. In Group 1, the PDA/Ao ratio was 0.45 +/- 0.10 standard error of the mean (SEM) pre-INDO, and 0.40 +/- 0.12 SEM post-INDO (immediately before ligation). In Group 2, the PDA/Ao ratio was 0.42 +/- 0.11 SEM pre-INDO, and 0.19 +/- 0.14 SEM at the end of INDO course (p less than 0.001), with 12 infants showing no ductal flow by Doppler. Follow-up six months after INDO therapy has shown no residual murmurs or other evidence of PDA in any INDO-closed infant. Five of the 18 infants have undergone repeated echocardiographic studies, all of which were negative for PDA patency or flow.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)