Long-term outcomes in adults born preterm with symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus

To compare outcomes in young adults born prematurely with and without symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) during infancy. Young adults born preterm (≤32 weeks gestation; n = 107) were recruited from the Parkland Health Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Registry and compared based on presence of symptomatic PDA during their NICU stay (n = 23 with PDA), defined as clinical evidence of large left-to-right shunt or congestive heart failure. Systolic blood pressure was similar, but the PDA group exhibited higher resting diastolic blood pressure (80 ± 10 versus 74 ± 12 mmHg, p = 0.02). Biventricular systolic function was similar. However, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) velocities at the lateral/septal aspect of the mitral annulus were lower and RV end-diastolic diameter larger in the PDA group. Individuals born preterm with a symptomatic PDA exhibited elevated diastolic blood pressure, slightly lower diastolic function, and larger right ventricular size in early adulthood.