Summary
There are no more controversial topics in neonatal intensive care than the diagnosis and management of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in very preterm infants.
Through the years (and around the world) practice has varied dramatically, from early screening echocardiogram and universal treatment (including surgical closure), to completely ignoring the PDA.
It is only in recent years that large randomised trials with important clinical outcomes have emerged to help guide practice.
These trials have not shown obvious clinical benefits from treating the PDA, but they have also been the subject of some criticism. Proponents of expert echo-guided management maintain that there are some preterm infants who will benefit from ductal closure.
We will review the latest large RCT of expectant vs. medical management of the PDA, including an interview with the first author Prof Matthew Laughon (USA) and input from an expert international panel including Dr Tim Hundsheid (The Netherlands - PI of the BeNeDuctus PDA trial) and A/Prof Koert de Waal (Australia).
Don't miss the first GNJC of 2026 as we discuss this hugely controversial topic!
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