What significant symptom can indicate the presence of PDA?

The presence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in neonates is often indicated by specific physical findings, notably bounding pulses and a characteristic heart murmur. The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel that connects the aorta and the pulmonary artery, and if it remains open (patent) after birth, it can lead to increased blood flow to the lungs.

Bounding pulses arise due to the high volume of blood that can be shunted into the systemic circulation, especially when combined with the left-to-right flow that occurs with a PDA. The heart murmur is a sound produced by the turbulent blood flow created because of this abnormal connection between the arterial system. These physical signs are critical for identifying PDA, as they reflect increased cardiac output and potentially over-circulation to the lungs.

Other symptoms like organ failure, cyanosis of the skin, or severe fatigue can occur in various conditions but are not specific indicators for PDA. For instance, cyanosis may suggest severe hypoxia due to other reasons, such as significant congenital heart defects or respiratory issues. Thus, identifying bounding pulses and a murmur is crucial in the clinical assessment of a baby suspected to have PTA.