Persistent ductus arteriosus

Persistent ductus arteriosus

Persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA) connects aorta with main pulmonary artery (MPA) (or left pulmonary artery – LPA) and during fetal life serves as important right-left shunt => mixed blood flowing from the pulmonary artery to the descendant aorta and supplying the lower half of the body. PDA prenatally remains open due to low partial pressure…

Prematurity

Prematurity

Preterm birth is defined as any birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation (37+0). It has been estimated to account for up to 11 % of all births. Preterm birth is a substantial cause of neonatal and pediatric morbidity and mortality. Prematurity is the single most important cause of death in the…