Aortic stiffness index and its association with cardiovascular functions in children before and after transcatheter closure of PDA

Background

Patent ductus arteriosus is generally associated with hyperdynamic status. Given the vascular shunt between the aorta and pulmonary artery, intrinsic aortic changes occur (aortic stiffness). In the present study, we attempted to assess the impact of PDA on aortic stiffness and its connection with cardiovascular function before and after transcatheter closure of PDA.

Patient and methods

Our study consisted of 60 children who were preparing for transcatheter closure of PDA and 60 healthy controls. All patients had clinical and echocardiographic proof of hemodynamically significant PDA.

Results

Patients with PDA exhibited significantly higher ASI than controls before closure (p-value < 0.05). After closure, ASI was significantly reduced (p-value < 0.05), but still higher than that of controls (p-value < 0.05) at the six-month follow-up assessment. Patients with PDA had significantly lower LVEF than controls before closure (p-value < 0.05). After closure, LVEF was significantly enhanced (p-value < 0.05), and no significant difference was noted amongst patients and controls (p-value < 0.05) at the six-month follow-up assessment.

Conclusion

Aortic stiffness is significantly increased in patients with PDA regardless of PDA size. Aortic stiffness is related to reduced heart function. ASI may be valuable for observing the course of patients with PDA before and after intervention.