There is controversy on the most advantageous management for infants with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and whether to favor actively closing the PDA or to conservatively observe. We aimed to describe the outcome of infants with PDA based on three management strategies used for its closure (conservative, indomethacin, ligation).
Methods: Retrospective medical record review of data from LBW infants (< 2000 with PDA admitted to NICU-SJCH.
Results: The prevalence of PDA was 16%. Based on management strategies: 31% did not require treatment. 19% resolved with conservative measures, 38% resolved with omethacin treatment, and 12% required ligation. There was no difference in birth weight, gestational, clinical criteria, morbidities and mortality in patients managed with the strategies evaluated.
Conclusion: Results are consistent with previous reports. Development of PDA management guidelines will help standardize the definition of PDA and management criteria instead of treating on a case-by-case basis.