Epidemiology

The persistence of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is much more common in preterm than full-term infants.[2] This is secondary to the immaturity of the ductus.[3] Since the advent of echocardiography, the incidence of PDA in children born at full-term has been reported as approximately 1 to 2 per 1000.[4] This estimate is higher than previously thought because it includes clinically silent PDAs.[5] There is globally a higher incidence in females as well as in children born at higher altitudes.[6][7]​​ In the US, there is also a racial differential, with a higher incidence found in black children compared with white children.[4] In premature infants, the incidence is substantially greater. Studies in the US have shown an incidence as high as 20% in premature infants weighing <1750 g and 64% in those weighing <1000 g.[8][9]​​ Research indicates that socioeconomic disparities can delay the diagnosis of PDA and access to care, which, in turn, affects neurodevelopment outcomes, underscoring the need for addressing these disparities to improve long-term outcomes for affected children.[10]

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