Abstract
Although several echo parameters have been useful for the assessment of preterm infants with PDA, none has been absolutely reliable. Fifty-three serial echo studies were obtained in 21 infants (780-1540 gm.) . Left atrial (LAD) and ventricular (LVED) dimensions, LA/Ao, as well as the ratio of LVED to Ao internal diameter (LV/Ao) were measured in three groups of infants. Group I: Asymptomatic (5); Group II: Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) (5); Group III: RDS and PDA (11).
The LV/Ao ratio for Group I (m 1.90, SD ± .19) and Group II (m 2.03, SD ± .26) differed only slightly. Values of Group I served as normal controls. However, the LV/Ao (m 2.53, SD ± .39) of Group III was significantly greater (p < .005) than in both groups (as was LA/Ao: m 1.30, SD ± .25). The LV/Ao decreased significantly (p < .005) in 7 infants requiring pharmacologic or surgical ductal closure. Two of these had normal LAD and LA/Ao, andLVED and LV/Ao was normal in one.
The LV/Ao ratio was found to be a useful parameter for the serial assessment of infants with PDA. Since all of the accepted echo indices appear to have limitations, the measurements of LV/Ao may be of supplemental value in the diagnosis and management of the PDA syndrome of prematurity.
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Baylen, B., Knouse, M. & Emmanouilides, G. 84 LEFT VENTRICULAR (LV) AORTIC (Ao) RATIO: AN ADDITIONAL INDEX OF LEFT-RIGHT DUCTAL SHUNTING IN PRETERM INFANTS WITH PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS (PDA). Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 377 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00089
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00089