Prostaglandin E1 treatment of congenital heart disease: use prior to neonatal transport.
Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) is used to maintain the patency of the ductus arteriosus in neonates when it is necessary to circumvent a defect in the heart or aorta in order to provide adequate peripheral perfusion. It has recently been recommended that medical stabilization with PGE1 be done as soon as a ductus-dependent cardiac defect is suspected, preferably prior to transport of the infant to a tertiary care center for surgical repair of the defect. To accomplish this, hospitals providing obstetric services will need to maintain a supply of PGE1. This commentary provides guidelines for determining the need to stock PGE1 and presents a brief review of the physiology of the ductus arteriosus and the pharmacology and adverse effects of PGE1 therapy.
Department of Pharmacy, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville 22908.
M L
ML
Buck
D000527:Alprostadil / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004374:Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007445:Inventories, Hospital / Q000592:standards; D011247:Pregnancy; D014187:Transportation of Patients
D000527:Alprostadil