Background: The ductus arteriosus is part of the fetal circulation. Normally, the vessel closes during the cardiac transition. Delayed closure is associated with complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the age-related prevalence of open ductus arteriosus in full-term neonates. Methods: Echocardiograms were collected in the population study, the Copenhagen Baby Heart Study. The present study included full-term neonates with an echocardiogram performed within 28 days after birth. All echocardiograms were reviewed to assess ductus arteriosus patency. Results: A total of 21,649 neonates were included. In neonates examined at day zero and day seven, an open ductus arteriosus was found in 36% and 0.6%, respectively. Beyond day seven, the prevalence remained stable at 0.6%. Conclusion: More than one-third of full-term neonates had an open ductus arteriosus on the first day of life, declining rapidly within the first week and stabilizing below 1% after day seven.
Keywords:Congenital heart defect, Patent ductus arteriosus, Ductus arteriosus, Echocardiography, Neonatology