Patent Ductus Arteriosus

In a developing foetus, the ductus arteriosus (DA) is a vessel connecting the pulmonary artery to the aortic arch. It allows the blood from the right ventricle to bypass the lungs.

In most newborns, the DA is closed within a few hours after birth. In preterm babies this blood vessel sometimes remains open meaning that the pressure gradient blood flows back from the aorta to the pulmonary artery. This condition is called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and affects the perfusion of the lungs and other organs including the brain, kidney, and mesentery (tissue that attaches organs to the body wall).

Recordati Rare Diseases is supporting the NeonatologyForParents website which provides additional information about the patent duct. Information is available in several languages.

We have also developed information for parents. Click on the image below to download the brochure.