PDA Stent Discharge Advice

Ward 1C

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PDA Stent Discharge Advice Leaflet PIAG 242 (264kB)

Introduction

You are receiving this discharge leaflet because your baby has undergone a PDA stent procedure, below is some information for you to be aware of on discharge.
Your nurse will discuss any specific advice before you leave, please do not hesitate to ask any questions

The following arrangements will be made for you by your ward nurse

Community nurses to visit twice a week to check your baby’s oxygen saturation levels

• Outpatient clinic follow-up appointment (approx. 6-8 weeks)
• Referral to your health visitor
• An initial supply of take-home medication and administration advice
• Copy of your discharge letter will be sent to your GP (and if applicable to your local Paediatrician

What signs or symptoms should I be concerned about with my baby at home?

• Increased sleeping, irritability or crying
• Baby is working harder with his/her breathing
• Changes in baby’s skin colour – paler/mottled/blue around the lips
• Baby becoming unusually sweaty
• Refusing feeds or taking half the normal amount of feeds
• Wet nappies reduced by half of the usual amount for your baby
• Diarrhoea and vomiting, or persistent vomiting

Remember you know your baby best, if you have concerns with your baby, you must take him/her to your LOCAL A&E to be assessed.

WHEN TO CALL 999

• If your baby has stopped breathing or is struggling to breath and/or has persistent grunting or noisy breathing
• Your baby has become floppy and/or unresponsive
• Prolonged changes in your baby’s skin colour: more blue/grey, cool to touch

Medication

Your baby will be discharged home on Aspirin and Clopidogrel. These medications will help prevent the risk of blood clots forming after surgery.

Aspirin

An initial supply of this medication will be given to you on discharge, your GP surgery will then supply your repeat monthly prescription.  For further information regarding Aspirin please see scan this QR link:

Clopidogrel

An initial supply of this medication will be given to you on discharge, your baby will have this for 6 months only. Your regular supply of this medication will be organised via the outpatient pharmacy at Alder Hey hospital, please ensure you contact the cardiac liaison team with a minimum of one week’s notice before your supply runs out.

A more detailed medicines information leaflet about Clopidogrel is currently in development.

If you think you have given an incorrect dose of medication

There is an increased risk of bleeding if too high a dose is given, or a risk of blood clots around the stent if too low a dose has been given. Please seek urgent medical attention if you believe you have administered the incorrect dose. If your child is actively bleeding this is considered an emergency please call 999.

If your baby is vomiting

If your baby is vomiting there is a likelihood they will not be absorbing their medication, please seek advice on the relevant phone numbers below if you have concerns of this.

If you have any further questions once you get home, please telephone the Cardiac Nurse Specialists for further advice:

• Paediatric Cardiac Nurse Specialists: 0151 252 5291 (Mon-Fri 08:30-16:30).
• Out of hours ring Ward 1C: 0151 252 5418 / 5740   
• Alder Hey main switch board number: 0151 228 4811 and use extension 2740/2418

You should have received Infant Basic Life Support training prior to discharge, if you have not, please liaise with the ward nurse to organise this for you. Please scan the QR code below if you require further demonstration.

This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.

This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.

PIAG: 242