"Patent ductus arteriosus is one of most common problems that physicians caring for preterm infants have to face. Although medical and surgical treatment of PDA has been extensively investigated, results from the randomized controlled trials and metanalysis are still inconclusive and many authors therefore suggest a less aggressive attitude toward PDA. In the present review evidence for and against routine treatment of PDA are analyzed. A strict selection of those patients who are most likely to benefit from treatment is probably an appropriate strategy at this time but further studies, mainly targeted to long term outcomes, are needed to provide definitive indications."