Drug Closure of a Patent Ductus Arteriosus in An Extremely Low Birth Weight Premature Newborn. A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Patent ductus arteriosus involves maintaining the permeability of the vascular ductus located between the pulmonary artery and the descending aorta, due to the failure of transition from foetal to adult type circulation. This malformation is characteristic to premature newborns with extremely low birth weight. The main pathophysiological factors identified in this pathology are immaturity of the smooth muscles, presence of vasodilator mediators and persistent hypoxaemia. Ductal-dependent cardiac malformations require drug therapy for keeping the permeability of the ductus arteriosus until the time of corrective surgery.

Keywords

• extremely low birth weight
• patent ductus arteriosus
• feto-fetal transfusion syndrome