Background Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common and potentially serious cardiovascular condition in preterm infants, particularly those with low gestational age and birth weight. Its management remains controversial due to variability in screening, diagnostic criteria, and treatment strategies. This study aimed to evaluate risk factors, outcomes, and management strategies for PDA in preterm infants, and to identify predictors of clinical and echocardiographic response to therapy.

Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study over a 4-year period (2016–2019) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a tertiary care center. All consecutive preterm infants admitted during the study period were eligible. Infants with echocardiographically confirmed PDA who received pharmacological treatment with intravenous paracetamol or ibuprofen were included in the analysis. Missing data were minimal and handled using available-case analysis. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression.

Results Among 2154 preterm infants admitted to the NICU, 60 were diagnosed with PDA (incidence : 2.8%). The mean gestational age was 29 ± 2.6 weeks, and the median birth weight was 1200 g. Respiratory distress occurred in 95% of cases, mainly due to hyaline membrane disease (86.7%). PDA was symptomatic in 80% of infants. First-line treatment resulted in clinical improvement in 77% and ductal closure in 83.3% of cases, most within 3 days. Predictors of successful closure included gestational age ≥ 28 weeks (OR = 5.9; 95% CI : 1.7–20.2) and antenatal corticosteroid exposure (OR = 1.2; 95% CI : 1.0–1.6). Overall mortality was 35% and was significantly higher in infants < 28 weeks (OR = 5.0; 95% CI : 2.4–10.3). Clinical improvement (OR = 3.7) and echocardiographic closure (OR = 4.5) after first-line treatment were associated with reduced mortality.

Conclusions PDA in preterm infants is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly in those born before 28 weeks of gestation. Early diagnosis, antenatal corticosteroid exposure, and timely pharmacological treatment may improve outcomes. Systematic echocardiographic screening in high-risk neonates should be considered.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

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The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.

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The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of Medicine of Monastir and was conducted in accordance with ethical standards for research involving human participants. All patient data were handled anonymously and in compliance with confidentiality regulations.

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The minimal dataset underlying the findings of this study is available from the corresponding author, Hayet Ben Hamida, MD, upon reasonable request. Access to the data will be provided in compliance with patient confidentiality and ethical regulations.