The National Collaborative PDA trial 11 showed less complications from this approach but no advantage in terms of long term outcomes. Key Points Risk of PDA increases with lower gestation. Early diagnosis requires high degree of suspicion and echocardiography. Indomethacin is first line treatment with surgery if that fails. Targeted early treatment or treatment of a symptomatic PDA is justified.
More evidence is needed to support prophylactic use of indomethacin.
Postnatal circulatory adaptation in healthy term and preterm neonates. T, Bancalari E. Lung compliance in newborns with patent ductus arteriosus before and after surgical ligation. Patent ductus arteriosus in neonates with severe respiratory disease. Smythe J. A blinded comparison of clinical and echocardiographic evaluation of the preterm infant for patent ductus arteriosus. Prolonged indomethacin therapy for the prevention of recurrences of patent ductus arteriosus.