Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus in under 6 kg and premature infants.

BackgroundTranscatheter closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has always been considered risky for infants weighing <6kg and preterms. We present our findings regarding transcatheter closures of PDA. MethodsThe inclusion criteria were a weight of <6kg and the presence of PDA symptoms. The study subjects were divided into two groups: <6kg and premature infants. ResultsA total of 69 infants were included. The mean ages and weights of the <6kg and the preterms were 5.42.7 months and 30.3 +/- 19.9 days, and 4.6 +/- 0.8 and 1.7 +/- 0.3kg, respectively. Type C PDAs were most frequently observed in the premature group, and type A was in <6kg. Sixteen of the patients were premature infants, and 81.2% of them had an extremely low birth weight. All of the premature infants had comorbidities, and had been receiving respiratory support therapy. Transcatheter closure was successfully completed in 81.2% of the premature infants and 94.3% of the <6-kg infants. Major complications occurred in 4 patients (one death and three device embolizations). The patient's age was found to be the main risk factor. The most frequently used device was the Amplatzer duct occluder II in additional sizes (84.6%) in the preterms and the Amplatzer duct occluder I (34%) and II (34%) in the <6-kg group. ConclusionThe transcatheter closure of PDA is relatively safe and effective in preterms and in infants <6kg. The selection of a suitable device based on the type of PDA is critical to the success of the procedure.