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Living With Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Most children who have PDAs live healthy, normal lives after treatment. Full-term infants will likely have normal activity levels, appetite, and growth after PDA treatment, unless they had other congenital heart defects.
For premature infants, the outlook after PDA treatment depends on other factors, such as:
- How early the child was born
- Whether the child has other illnesses or conditions, such as other congenital heart defects
Ongoing Care
Children who have PDAs are at slightly increased risk for infective endocarditis (IE). IE is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves.
Your child's doctor will tell you whether your child needs antibiotics before certain medical procedures to help prevent IE. According to the most recent American Heart Association guidelines, most children who have PDAs don't need antibiotics.
Clinical trials are research studies that explore whether a medical strategy, treatment, or device is safe and effective for humans.
Visit Children and Clinical Studies to hear experts, parents, and children talk about their experiences with clinical research.
The NHLBI updates Health Topics articles on a biennial cycle based on a thorough review of research findings and new literature. The articles also are updated as needed if important new research is published. The date on each Health Topics article reflects when the content was originally posted or last revised.
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