| Abstract | Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate (PPHN), described initially by Gersony in 1969 as persistent foetal circulation (PFC syndrome), results from a flawed transition from foetal to extrauterine pulmonary circulation. It is primarily characterised by persistence of, or return to, the suprasystemic pulmonary vascular resistance and pressure normally found in the foetus. The increased pulmonary pressure causes right to left shunting through the ductus arteriosus or the foramen ovale, or both. The resulting hypoxaemia and acidosis may produce further pulmonary vasoconstriction and lead to a vicious cycle of shunting, hypoxia and acidosis. Infants with a wide variety of underlying clinical conditions develop PPHN. This condition is reversible, but can cause very severe and unrelenting respiratory failure and ultimate death when uncontrolled. Although vasodilating agents, such as tolazoline, have been used with variable success in the treatment of PPHN, a generally acceptable therapy is still lacking. We report here the use of prostacyclin (epoprostenol, PGI2) in two infants with severe and refractory hypoxaemia secondary to pulmonary vasoconstriction. |
| Authors | H Messner, G Gios, L Gentili, D Mascheroni, C Pedron, E Pedron, G Mengarda
(Affiliation: Terapia Intensiva Neonatale, Ospedale Regionale di Bolzano, Italia.)
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| Journal | La Pediatria medica e chirurgica : Medical and surgical pediatrics
(Pediatr Med Chir)
1992 Jan-Feb
Vol. 14
Issue 3-6 Suppl
Pg. 57-60
ISSN: 0391-5387 ITALY |
| Vernacular Title | La prostaciclina nel trattamento della sindrome da persistenza della circolazione fetale. |
| PMID | 1589338
(Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)
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| Chemical References |
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| Topics |
- Epoprostenol
(therapeutic use)
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Infant, Newborn
- Male
- Persistent Fetal Circulation Syndrome
(diagnosis, drug therapy, physiopathology)
- Time Factors
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