Guide To Managing Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Specific Medications

In premature infants, the use of specific medications may help with patent ductus arteriosus. Normally, doctors recommend ibuprofen and indomethacin for this purpose. Both of these block certain hormone-like substances in the body that prevent proper closure of the ductus arteriosus. While ibuprofen may be given orally, indomethacin is given intravenously. Indomethacin causes the muscles within the ductus arteriosus to constrict, which can promote effective closure. Ibuprofen, indomethacin, and similar medicines are only useful in closing the ductus arteriosus of premature babies; these medications are ineffective for full-term infants and adults with the condition. Some infants, including both premature and full-term babies, will need to take other medications that improve the functioning of the heart and lungs. Diuretics, which remove excess fluid from the body through urination, may be needed for these patients, too. Since patent ductus arteriosus can compromise heart function, this might upset the water balance within the body, and diuretics could help correct this.

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Preventative Antibiotics

Patients with patent ductus arteriosus are at an increased risk of a heart infection known as endocarditis. To reduce the risk of developing this infection, preventative antibiotics are sometimes indicated. Current guidelines recommend antibiotics be prescribed for the first six months after a patient has a catheter procedure. They are also advised for patients who have heart damage after a catheter procedure or other repair, and individuals who have had previous heart infections need them as well. In the past, doctors advised patients with patent ductus arteriosus to take preventative antibiotics before having dental work or invasive medical procedures. However, these guidelines were recently revised, and doctors now only recommend the antibiotics in the situations described above.

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