The hemodynamic effects of neonatal patent ductus arteriosus shunting on superior mesenteric artery blood flow.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if the ratio of the pulsatility index (PI) of the left pulmonary artery to the PI of the descending aorta, the Rp/Rs index, correlates with the degree of ductal steal from the intestine in neonates with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).


METHODS
Echocardiograms and Doppler studies of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) were performed in 41 neonates less than 35 weeks gestational age with a hemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA).


RESULTS
There was a significant negative correlation between the Rp/Rs index and the SMA PI after controlling for ductal size (r=-0.476, p<0.008).


CONCLUSIONS
The Rp/Rs index can be used as an indicator of ductal steal on intestinal blood flow. The Rp/Rs index may be a useful adjunct to existing and new techniques for improving early assessment and treatment of hsPDA, and for evaluating the effects of hsPDA on systemic organs.
Freeman-Ladd
Mayra
M
Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33606, USA.
Cohen
Jonathan B
JB
Carver
Jane D
JD
Huhta
James C
JC
D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology; D004374:Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017538:Mesenteric Artery, Superior / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011674:Pulse; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014463:Ultrasonography