Typically, hospitalization following treatment for PDA is minimal. Patients who have catheter closure of PDA usually are sent home on the day of the procedure. Even patients who have standard surgery with a thoracotomy rarely are hospitalized for longer than 2 or 3 days. The appropriate care and hospitalization of premature neonates with a PDA primarily are determined based on abnormalities of other organ systems. However, babies who have effective closure of PDA appear to have shorter hospital stays than babies whose PDA remains a problem.
FURTHER OUTPATIENT CARE
Once the PDA is closed, no special limitations or care is necessary. Most physicians recommend antibiotic prophylaxis at times of risk of bacteremia for 6-12 months following closure, whether by catheter or surgery.
COMPLICATIONS
- Endocarditis
- Congestive heart failure
- Pulmonary vascular obstructive disease
- Aortic rupture
PROGNOSIS
- Typically, following PDA closure, patients experience no further symptoms and have no further cardiac sequelae.
- Premature infants who had a significant PDA are more likely to develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
SPECIAL CONCERNS
- Some canine breeds, such as certain strains of poodle, have a large prevalence of PDA.
