How does a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) affect systemic versus pulmonary perfusion in a preterm infant?

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Multiple Choice

How does a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) affect systemic versus pulmonary perfusion in a preterm infant?

Explanation:
PDA in a preterm infant most commonly creates a left-to-right shunt, where blood moves from the aorta into the pulmonary artery through the open ductus. This diverts some of the cardiac output toward the lungs, increasing pulmonary blood flow while reducing the amount available for the systemic circulation. The result is pulmonary overcirculation and potential systemic hypoperfusion, especially if the PDA is large. In smaller PDAs the effect may be milder, but the general pattern remains: more blood goes to the lungs, less to the body.

PDA in a preterm infant most commonly creates a left-to-right shunt, where blood moves from the aorta into the pulmonary artery through the open ductus. This diverts some of the cardiac output toward the lungs, increasing pulmonary blood flow while reducing the amount available for the systemic circulation. The result is pulmonary overcirculation and potential systemic hypoperfusion, especially if the PDA is large. In smaller PDAs the effect may be milder, but the general pattern remains: more blood goes to the lungs, less to the body.

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