Question
How to Treat a Newborn with an Unclosed Arterial Duct?
Answer
After birth, a newborn’s arterial duct typically closes functionally within 15 hours and 80% of cases close anatomically within three months after birth. By one year of age, the arterial duct should be completely closed anatomically. For diagnosed cases of an unclosed arterial duct without any surgical contraindications, surgical treatment is generally recommended. The optimal age for surgery is between four and five years. If the unclosed arterial duct is accompanied by other congenital heart diseases, early surgery can reduce the risk of infective endocarditis and pulmonary hypertension.