The Course of Ductus Arteriosus from the Neonatal Period to Childhood in a Moderate Altitude Region

Epçaçan, Serdar, Emrah Şişli, Yasemin Nuran Dönmez, and Şeyma Memur. The course of ductus arteriosus from the neonatal period to childhood in a moderate altitude region. <i>High Alt Med Biol.</i> 26:283-290, 2025. <b><i>Aim:</i></b> The aim of the study is to evaluate the course of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in a moderate altitude region. <b><i>Study Design:</i></b> This is a retrospectively designed cross-sectional study analyzing the neonates diagnosed with PDA. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Demographic and clinical data and echocardiographic, interventional, and surgical files of the subjects and follow-up findings were analyzed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Overall, the mean gestational age and weight at delivery for all 711 patients were 35.7 ± 3.1 weeks (24-44 weeks) and 2712 ± 762 g (570-4,900 g). In total, 330 patients were premature. Medical closure was applied in 95/597 patients and was successful in 40 of 95 patients. The spontaneous closure rate within 2.3 ± 2.8 months (4 days-2.1 years) was 616/711 (86.6%). Overall, only 8 patients necessitated surgical PDA closure and 38 patients for transcatheter closure. Gestational age and delivery weight had a considerable influence on spontaneous closure. The duration of spontaneous PDA closure was negatively correlated with the gestational age and gestational weight. The duration of spontaneous PDA closure was higher in patients with prematurity and hypothyroidism. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The spontaneous closure of the duct may be prolonged in moderate and high-altitude areas. Transcatheter or surgical interventions are rarely needed in the early neonatal period.