Analysis of the Factors That Influence on the Effect of Prostaglandin E1(PGE1)in Infants with Ductus-Dependent Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease

Lee, Jong Kyun; Choi, Seok Min; Jung, Jo Won; Sul, Jun Hee; Lee, Sung Kyu

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The prostaglandin E1(PGE1) is a well known protent dilator of arteriosus. Maintaining of the patency of ductus arteriosus is crucial for the survival of patients suffering from ductus-dependent cyanotic congenital heart disease. We aimed to analyse the efficacy and the influencing factors upon PGE1 in patients suffering from this disease.
METHODS
Between May 1991 and April 1993, 26 neonates and infants with ductus- dependent cyanotic congenital heart disease received on intravenous infusion of PGE1 in the Division of Pediatric Cardiology. Yonsei Cardiovascular Center. The result was a dramatic improvement in systemic arterial oxygen tension and oxygen saturation during infusion of PGE1with a dependency on the infusion of PGE1. We evaluated the arterial blood gas analysis both at the immediate pre-infusion stage and 2 hours after infusion. We aimed to analyse the factors which may influence the intravenous of PGE1to infant suffers of ducts-dependent cyanotic congenital heart disease, such as pulmonary atresia(n=14), severe pulmonary stenosis(n=7) or complete transposition of the great arteries(n=5).
RESULTS
1) There was a significant increase in PaO2 and Oxygen saturation 2 hours after the infusion of PGE1. This appeared to be unrelated to the different forms of the disease when compared with the pre-infusion values. 2) The infants' responsiveness of the ductus arteriosus appeared to be age related with significant differences emerging between the 2 group(p<.05). In infants younger than 9 hours old, the differences in PaO2 changes between pre-infusion and post-infusion of PGE1 were 16.3+/-3.7mmHg compared to just 10.4+/-0.4mmHg in infants older than 96 hours. 3) No significant difference emerged between an increase in PaO2or oxygen saturation relating to the shape of ductus arteriosus ; or the level of PaO2prior to the infusion. 4) The side effects of PGE1were as follows ; fever(84.6%),loose stool(61.5%), apnea(30.8%) and hypotension(15.4%), etc..
CONCLUSION
PGE1provides excellent medical palliation for infants suffering from ductus-dependent cyanotic congenital heart disease until the pulmonary arteries are large enough for a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt ; or until corrective surgery is possible.