title: Idiopathic arterial calcification of infancy: effectiveness of prostaglandin infusion for treatment of secondary hypertension refractory to conventional therapy: case report.
abstract: A premature baby had severe hypertension associated with idiopathic arterial calcification of infancy. Despite the fact that there was laboratory evidence of renin-mediated hypertension, the disease was refractory to specific renin antagonist and failed to respond to conventional medical treatment. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) infusion (dosage range 0.017-0.068 microgram/kg/min) promptly controlled hypertension on two occasions. The drug was given for a total of 65 days and then stopped after the appearance of severe thrombocytopenia; other side effects included sporadic hyperthermia and irritability. Blood pressure was then stabilized satisfactory by a multiple-antihypertensive regimen. In the light of these findings, we believe that PGE1 infusion is a possible therapeutic alternative for babies with idiopathic arterial calcification complicated by severe hypertension refractory to conventional treatment.
authors.affiliation: Neonatology Center, Istituto per l'Infanzia, Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ciana
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Colonna
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Forleo
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Brizzi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Benettoni
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: de Vonderweid
mesh_terms: D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications*; D004452:Echocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D011458:Prostaglandins E / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D011458:Prostaglandins E