Aiden kept Nurse Tracy busy for most of the morning. She listened to his heart and found that he had a heart murmur. The Doctors performed an echocardiogram and confirmed that he has a condition called Patent Ductus Arteriousus (PDA). This is a fancy name for an open duct in his heart that shouldn't be open. This duct in full term babies will close off when the baby is born and takes his/her first breath. For preemies this duct doesn't always close.
The duct could have been closed earlier and has now re-opened. It could have been partially open this whole time. The doctors said that it is just a partial opening and their treatment is to just reduce his fluid levels and adjust the ventilator settings. There is a good chance the duct will close on its own. If it doesn't close over time, the doctors may choose to close it surgically. The nurses and doctors do not seem to be overly concerned about Aiden's PDA. It sure makes Mom and Dad nervous.
If there is anything positive about PDA, it does help explain Aiden's up and down oxygen saturation levels and his inability to stay off the ventilator. Aiden is having more instances of apnea (pause in breathing) and subsequently bradycardia (slow heart rate). Hopefully once the PDA is closed, his respiratory issues will go away.
Other than the new PDA issue, Aiden seems to be doing well. His eyes still aren't open, but he's getting closer. He seemed very comfortable this afternoon and was sleeping well.
Lisa has a follow up appointment with Dr. Hansen tomorrow.
Pray for Aiden!
http://lisaandtwins.blogspot.com
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