Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a condition where the ductus arteriosus, an opening between the aorta and pulmonary artery, fails to close in a child after birth.
Causes
Causes are not known but some possibilities include:

• Premature birth
• Genetic defects like Down syndrome
• Mother of the child having German measles during pregnancy

Symptoms
Symptoms may not be present when the opening is very small. If present, they may include:

• Heart murmur
• Rapid heart rate
• Respiratory problems
• Fast breathing
• Breathlessness
• Poor eating
• Poor weight gain
• Sweating on exertion
• Congestive heart failure

Treatment
In premature infants, the opening may close on its own within a few weeks. In cases where the opening is unable to close, treatment may include:

• Medications to block the hormones that keep the ductus arteriosus open
• Catheterization to plug the opening with help of a catheter
• Surgery to stitch or clip the opening

Prevention
There is no specific prevention for PDA but avoiding the mentioned risk factors may lower the risk.