The often forgotten systemic effects of ductus arteriosus: impact on decision-making and future trials

Respiratory symptomatology and echocardiographic features of pulmonary circulation exclusively guide therapy for a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants. Interrogations of systemic artery Doppler or the exploration of their links with respective end organ symptomatology is not routine practice. This brief report shows the relevance of 'systemic' symptoms and the assessment of 'systemic hypo-perfusion' (and their resolution with physiologically appropriate therapy) in decision-making. Future trials should include this often-ignored aspect in study designs and/or post-hoc analysis.