[Persisting ductus arteriosus botalli in a new-born with the hyaline membrane syndrome (author's transl)]

The case of a female premature (1410 g/46 cm) with severe respiratory distress syndrome is presented, which after initial improvement of the hyaline membrane disease developed the typical clinical findings of a persistent ductus arteriosus with severe congestive heart failure. As pharmacologic treatment failed to improve the condition, after a heart catheterisation the surgical ligation of the persistent ductus was necessary. The frequence of occurence, the symptomatology and the indication for surgical treatment of the persistent ductus arteriosus following respiratory distress syndrome in the premature infant are discussed.