Management of the premature infant with a patent ductus arteriosus.

The maturation of the lung is one of the greatest challenges the premature infant must face after birth. Premature infants have been observed to have a higher prevalence of patency of the ductus arterious, presenting the physician with a dilemma and a challenge. This article discusses the clinical and pathophysiologic manifestations and the management of patent ductus arteriosus in the premature infant.