Assessment of hemodynamic parameters in the assessment of a patent ductus arteriosus: It is still a puzzle

de Freitas et al showed in their retrospective study that a nonindexed ductal diameter demonstrated the best correlation with transductal shunt volume, whereas weaker associations were seen between a ductal diameter indexed to weight and indexed to left pulmonary artery diameter.1 Overall, 104 neonates born preterm with a gestational age of <30 weeks were examined with targeted echocardiography evaluation of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) performed between 7 and 30 days of life. The best correlation was found with markers of systemic hypoperfusion, such as diastolic flow reversal in the descending aorta and celiac artery, whereas markers of pulmonary overcirculation (left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular output) showed only fair correlation with nonindexed ductal diameter.

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