What causes patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants

The cause of patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants is not clear, and may be related to genetic factors, short gestation time, maternal factors, etc.

1. Genetic factors

Patent ductus arteriosus may be caused by genetic defects of single gene. If the father or mother carries the gene of patent ductus arteriosus, the risk of developing patent ductus arteriosus is higher.

2. Premature infants with short gestation time

due to incomplete physical development, immature smooth muscle development, and high sensitivity to hypoxic environment may lead to abnormal arterial contraction, which may lead to patent ductus arteriosus.

3. Maternal factors

Maternal infection, exposure to harmful substances, radiation, etc. during pregnancy, or maternal metabolic diseases, etc., may cause abnormal fetal development and patent ductus arteriosus.