Cardiovascular changes due to premature closure of the ductus arteriosus: a mathematical model.

Changes in the fetal cardiovascular system due to premature closure of the ductus arteriosus are described using a previously validated mathematical model. Results of the simulated closure of the ductus arteriosus are compared with reported results from animal experiments in which the ductus arteriosus was closed pharmacologically with prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors. The computed cardiovascular changes after ductus closure in the model resemble the changes obtained by administration of indomethacin. This suggests that the central cardiovascular effects of indomethacin (insofar as described here) can be completely attributed to closure of the ductus.