Patent ductus arteriosus

Abstract

Patent ductus arteriosus is the most common congenital heart defect in neonates. Its elevated incidence is related to the increased survival of premature infants, delayed ductal closure being very frequent in these infants, with an incidence varying from 20% in prematures born after 32 weeks of pregnancy to 60% in those born after 28 weeks of pregnancy. Patent ductus arteriosus accounts for about 10% of congenital heart defects in term neonates, and it ranks the 10th most common congenital heart defect in infants (2.4% of all congenital heart defects). Patent ductus arteriosus is more frequent in females.