Following ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) a preterm infant may develop a constellation of complications termed the postligation cardiac syndrome (PLCS) or post patent ductus arteriosus ligation syndrome (PPDALS). Ligation of the PDA can result in an increase in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and a decrease in preload.
Patient selection: preterm infant with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
Onset: 6-12 hours after the ligation procedure
Clinical features:
(1) hypotension
(2) oxygenation failure
(3) need for inotropic support
The risk is increased if the patient is a preterm infant less than 28 days old.
The presence of a left ventricular output < 200 mL per kg per minute by echocardiography at 1 hour after the procedure identifies an infant at high risk for PLCS.
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