Final answer:
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect marked by an open ductus arteriosus after birth, causing abnormal blood flow and respiratory difficulties. Symptoms include dyspnea and tachycardia, with treatments ranging from NSAIDs to surgical interventions to prevent complications such as heart failure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect where the ductus arteriosus remains open (patent) after birth. During fetal development, the ductus arteriosus is an important blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery to the descending aorta, allowing blood to bypass the fetal lungs. Normally, it closes shortly after birth when the lungs become functional. In PDA, the vessel's failure to close leads to abnormal blood flow from the aorta to the pulmonary artery, resulting in increased pulmonary pressure and difficulty in respiration. Symptoms can include dyspnea, tachycardia, an enlarged heart, widened pulse pressure, and poor weight gain in infants.
Treatment options for PDA vary based on the severity and may involve nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), catheter-based techniques using platinum coils or mesh, or surgical ligation. These interventions aim to close the patent ductus arteriosus and prevent complications like congestive heart failure.