Treatment of patent ductus arteriosus with bidirectional flow in neonates

Background

Patent ductus arteriosus is a common occurrence among prematurely born neonates and is believed to play a role in the development of other complications of prematurity including intraventricular hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and necrotizing enterocolitis. The clinical decision to treat the patent ductus arteriosus is complicated by the lack of evidence available regarding clinical conditions under which closure should be attempted.

Study aims

To compare clinical outcomes for neonates who underwent treatment of patent ductus arteriosus exhibiting bidirectional blood flow versus those with flow that was left to right.

Study design

Cohort study of all neonates with patent ductus arteriosus in which medical closure was attempted at the Duke University between January 2002 and October 2007.

Outcome measures

Death and other important clinical conditions.

Results

We identified 20 neonates with bidirectional flow out of 317 cases in which medical closure of patent ductus arteriosus was attempted. There was no significant increase in overall complications due to closure of a bidirectional patent ductus arteriosus 40% (8/20)] versus ones with left to right shunting 38% (111/297) p = 0.82]. Death occurred in 15% (3/20) with bidirectional PDA compared to 11% (34/297) in the left to right group, p = 0.72.

Conclusion

The trend in mortality is worrisome but does not contraindicate an aggressive approach to the clinically significant PDA that has bidirectional flow at the time of the echocardiogram.