I'm really worried about my daughter who's 81 days old. She has a PDA of 3.2mm as per her recent echo report, but last month it was 3.7mm. Her breathing isn't normal during feeding times. Do you think the PDA can close on its own, or should we be considering surgery? If surgery is needed, are there any long-term health issues we should be concerned about? I'd really appreciate some guidance on this.

considering the improvement from 3.7mm in the previous month, the decision for closure can be made based on various factors such as symptoms and overall health condition. If the breathing condition is abnormal during feeding, it may indicate the need for intervention. If surgical closure is recommended, it is generally a safe procedure with low risk. Some potential complications after PDA closure surgery may include infection, bleeding, or rare instances of residual shunting. However, the benefits of closing a significant PDA usually outweigh the risks. One commonly prescribed medication post-PDA closure surgery is Ibuprofen at a dosage of 10 mgkgdose every 6 hours for 3 doses, followed by 5 mgkgdose every 6 hours for 48 hours. This helps in reducing inflammation and promoting closure of the ductus arteriosus. It is important to follow up with your pediatric cardiologist for regular check-ups and monitoring to ensure proper healing and development. If you notice any concerning symptoms or changes in your daughter's health, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.