Prostaglandin E 1 Treatment of Congenital Heart Disease: Use Prior to Neonatal Transport

Abstract

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.

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