Related Factors of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Chang Liu1,2,3, Xingwang Zhu1,2,3, Dinggang Li1,2,3

  • 1Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.

Frontiers in Pediatrics
|January 20, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is common in preterm infants. Factors like lower gestational age and birth weight increase PDA risk, while being small for gestational age may decrease it.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Perinatology

Background:

  • Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) poses significant risks during the neonatal period, particularly for preterm infants.
  • Identifying factors associated with PDA is crucial for improving infant outcomes.

Approach:

  • A comprehensive literature review was performed across PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science.
  • Pooled odds ratios and standard mean differences were calculated to analyze dichotomous and continuous variables.
  • Heterogeneity, publication bias, and sensitivity analyses were conducted for identified factors.

Key Points:

  • Chorioamnionitis, lower gestational age, lower birth weight, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, surfactant treatment, ventilation, and lower platelet count were positively correlated with PDA.
  • Being small for gestational age was associated with a decreased incidence of PDA.
  • Premature rupture of membranes, preeclampsia, antenatal steroids, male gender, mean platelet volume, and platelet distribution width showed no significant relationship with PDA.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm infants with more immature characteristics exhibit a higher likelihood of developing PDA.
  • These findings can inform the prevention, diagnosis, and management strategies for PDA in preterm infants.