The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 29, 459-463, Copyright © 1980 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Management of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm babies
R Gomez, F Moreno, M Burgueros, PA Sanchez, J Quero and F Alvarez
There is a higher incidence of delayed closure of the patent ductus
arteriosus in premature babies with respiratory distress syndrome. From
July, 1975, to December, 1977, 57 small, preterm infants with patent ductus
arteriosus were diagnosed at our neonatal intensive care unit. From July,
1975, until September, 1976 (first period), 23 patients were diagnosed, and
11 underwent surgical ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus. There were 3
early deaths. From October, 1976, until December, 1977, out of a total of
34 patients with diagnosed patent ductus, 18 were treated with
indomethacin, and only 3 required ligation. Our present policy for patent
ductus arteriosus with respiratory distress syndrome in the premature baby
is to initiate early treatment with indomethacin. If this treatment fails
and the infant's status deteriorates, we perform early surgical ligation of
the ductus in order to minimize the time on mechanical ventilation and
lessen the chances of the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
