Evaluation of the Doppler Flow Patterns of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants

Abstract

Objective: Aim of study was to evaluate both ductal diameter (Dd) and pulsed wave Doppler (PWD) patterns of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), the treatment requirement of different patterns. Methods: In this retropective study evaluation and classification of PDA of 139 preterms born before 34 weeks gestation was performed by color Doppler and PWD. Ratio of left atrium/aortic root were evaluated in parasternal long axis. Ductal patterns were compared with both Dd and left atrium/aortic root ratio. PDA was treated by ibuprofen. The treatment requirement and thrombocyte count of patterns was evaluated. Results: 85,5% of preterms were very low birth weight (< 1500 g). Median gestational age was 28,5 (23-34) weeks. Median birth weight was 1050 (750-1850) g. 39 (17,3%) pulmonary hypertension (PH), 43 (19,1%) growing, 68 (30,3%) pulsatile, 75 (33,3%) closing pattern were observed. PH pattern was more often in first three days (p< 0,001). There was significantly difference among patterns in term of Dd (p< 0,001). The largest Dd was observed in PH pattern the smallest Dd was observed in closing pattern. The need for treatment was higher in pulsatile pattern (52,4% of patients). There was a positive corelation between left atrium/aortic root and ductal diameter in pulsatil, growing and closing pattern except PH pattern. There was no relation between platelet count and flow paterns (p> 0,05). Conclusion: We determined significant relationship between Dd and flow pattern. There was no relationship between ductal pattern and thrombocyte count. Pulsatile pattern were hemodynamically significant. Despite greater Dd, treatment requirement in PH pattern was less due to low left-right shunt. Both ductal diameter and pattern together is important to identify hemodynamically of hemodynamically significant PDA.