Patent ductus arteriosus complicating respiratory distress syndrome.

PDA was diagnosed in 76 (19%) of 396 patients with RDS. Evidence of excessive pulmonary blood flow and CHF developed in 15 (20%). CHF was not recognized prior to 10 days of age in any patient. All 15 with CHF were initially managed medically. Seven improved; three died of other causes. Five patients who failed medical management were surgically treated; all survived operation, but only two were improved.