Patent ductus arteriosus medical therapy in term and older children


 * Associate Editor-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [mailto:psingh@perfuse.org], ; Assistant Editor-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S. [mailto:kfeeney@perfuse.org]

Overview
In term infants and older patients, the ProstaglandinE2 inhibitors (indomethacin and ibuprofen)have not shown to be effective. This is so because the ductus in premature baby is different histologicaly from in older patients. As a result, pharmacologic therapy is only used routinely in preterm infants.

==ACC/AHA recommendations for medical therapy in patients with patent ductus arteriosus (DONOT EDIT)==

Class I

1. Routine follow-up is recommended for patients with a small PDA without evidence of left-sided heart volume overload. Follow-up is recommended every 3 to 5 years for patients with a small PDA without evidence of left-heart volume overload. (Level of Evidence: C)

Class III

1. Endocarditis prophylaxis is not recommended for those with a repaired PDA without residual shunt. (Level of Evidence: C) For ACC/AHA Level of evidence and classes click:ACC AHA Guidelines Classification Scheme