Living With Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Most children are healthy and live normal lives after treatment for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

If your child was a full-term infant, he or she will likely have normal activity levels, appetite, and growth after PDA treatment, as long as there are no other congenital heart defects.

If your child was born prematurely, the outlook after PDA treatment depends on other factors, such as:

• How early he or she was born
• Whether he or she has other illnesses or conditions, such as other congenital heart defects

Ongoing Care

Children who have PDA are at slightly increased risk for infective endocarditis (IE). IE is an infection of the lining of the heart, valves, or arteries.

Your child's doctor will discuss with you whether your child needs antibiotics before certain medical procedures to prevent IE. According to the most recent American Heart Association guidelines, most children who have PDA don't require antibiotics.