EFFECTS OF PGE1 IN NEONATAL AORTIC COARCTATION

In order to estimate the efficacity of prostaglandine E1 (PGE1) to dilate the obstruction in coarctation of the aorta (CoAo), we studied 16 full term neonates with heart failure. Over the 16 neonates, there was 5 with isolated CoAo and 11 with an intracardiac shunt. Over the 11 neonates, 7 had pulmonary hypertension. PGE1, at a dose of 0,05-mu-g/kg/min associated to the classical treatment of heart failure were given on the 6 day of life. Effects of PGE1 were evaluated on clinical basis (presence of femoral pulse, blood pressure), echocardiographical basis (ductus arteriosus and aortic isthmus diameter) and morphological basis. In 15 neonates, the ductus arteriosus was open, in all cases CoAo diameter was the same. In 7 neonates with pulmonary hypertension, femoral pulse appeared. In conclusion, PGE1 increases post ductal perfusion by a right to left shunt through the ductus arteriosus, only in cases where pulmonary hypertension is present. No direct action on the aortic isthmus was observed.