Skip to main content
Go to homepage

Print Page

A to Z: Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

May also be called: PDA

Patent ductus arteriosus (DUK-tus ar-tir-ee-OH-sus), or PDA, is a condition in newborn babies in which a fetal blood vessel in the heart fails to close as it normally should.

More to Know

The ductus arteriosus (DA) is a normal blood vessel that connects two major arteries — the aorta and the pulmonary artery — that carry blood away from the heart in a developing fetus. The DA diverts blood away from the lungs, sending it directly to the body. The lungs are not used while a fetus is in the amniotic fluid because the baby gets oxygen directly from the mother's placenta. When a newborn breathes and begins to use the lungs, the DA is no longer needed and usually closes during the first 2 days after birth.

If the DA fails to close, a patent (meaning "open") ductus arteriosus is the result. Oxygen-rich blood from the aorta mixes with oxygen-poor blood in the pulmonary artery, and too much blood flows into the lungs.

Babies with a PDA may have poor feeding, poor growth, difficulty breathing, excessive sweating, fatigue, or a bluish color to the skin. A larger PDA puts a strain on the heart and increases blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. A smaller PDA may not cause any symptoms.

Keep in Mind

In the vast majority of babies who have a small PDA but otherwise normal heart, the PDA will shrink and go away on its own in the first few days of life. Other PDAs may close on their own within the first year of a baby's life.

Large PDAs are rare, but can strain the heart and cause other problems. Medications, catheter-based procedures, or surgery may be used to close these PDAs.

All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.

What next?

Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
There are 10 nurses in the picture.

And we have many more pediatric primary care providers in Northeast Ohio. You can meet some of them here.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The five differences are:
– Phone color
– Coat pocket
– Stethoscope earpiece color
– Stethoscope bell dot
– Clipboard paper color

Need help finding a doctor, choosing a location or getting a general question about Akron Children's answered? Call us or fill out the form and we'll help in any way we can.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The two matching doctors are 9 and 14.

With virtual visits, you can see our pediatric experts from the comfort of home or wherever you are.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The correct path:
The Correct Path
We offer many ways to get pediatric care all over Northeast Ohio. Use this page to find the right kind of care and the most convenient location for you.