Prostaglandin E1Treatment 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 PGE1be 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 PGE1and presents a brief review of the physiology of the ductus arteriosus and the pharmacology and adverse effects of PGE1therapy.