Frequency of factors leading to Patent Ductus Arteriosus.

Background: Patent Ductus Arteriosus is developing as major problem in our society. Many studies in Pakistan has been done to analyze the efficacy of surgical procedures but no one tried to find the frequency of factorsleading to this problem. So the objective to conduct this study was to determine the frequency of factors leadingto Patent Ductus Arteriosus in children presented in Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore.Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure the frequency of factors leading to patent ductus arteriosusin children presented at Punjab Institute of Cardiology.Method: A cross sectional study was conducted on 242 patients of PDA which already have been treated duringthe year 2006-2007. They were recalled for recheck up and also interviewed. Their operative information wasgathered from their files.Results: Mean age of children at time of treatment was 6.12+5.203 years. Mostly children were of age 1. Out of242 children, there were more female children (62.8%) involved as compared to male children (37.2%). In thisstudy 72.73% children belong to urban area while 27.27% children belong to rural areas. 54.5% (n=132) childrenwere surgically legated while 45.5% (n=110) children were catheterized or had device closure. 17.8% childreninherited the disease from their close relatives. 43.4% mothers had some infectious problems during pregnancy.42.6% mothers used antibiotics or other drugs although they were pregnant. 4.5% children had Down syndrome.56.61 % (137) children had premature birth.Conclusion: These are modifiable factors that can be controlled. If these factors are controlled then the incidence of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) can be reduced.Key Words: Patent Ductus Arteriosus, surgical ligation, catheter based procedure