Clinical Presentation & Protocol
Patient Usually Complains Of
Patient presents for follow-up of a small Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). Patient is currently asymptomatic, with no history of failure to thrive, diaphoresis with feeding, or recurrent respiratory infections. Growth parameters are within normal limits.
Clinical Examination Findings
Cardiovascular exam reveals a grade I-II/VI continuous machinery murmur heard best at the left upper sternal border/infraclavicular area. S1 and S2 are normal. No signs of congestive heart failure, hepatomegaly, or bounding peripheral pulses. Lungs are clear to auscultation.
Treatment Protocol
Plan is for conservative management with clinical observation and periodic echocardiographic surveillance to monitor for spontaneous closure or changes in shunt size. Prophylaxis for infective endocarditis is not indicated for isolated small PDA.