IDIOPATHIC ARTERIAL CALCIFICATION OF INFANCY - EFFECTIVENESS OF PROSTAGLANDIN INFUSION FOR TREATMENT OF SECONDARY HYPERTENSION REFRACTORY TO CONVENTIONAL THERAPY - CASE-REPORT

A premature baby had severe hypertension associated with idiopathic ar terial calcification of infancy. Despite the fact that there was labor atory evidence of renin-mediated hypertension, the disease was refract ory to specific renin antagonist and failed to respond to conventional medical treatment. Prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)) infusion (dosage range 0.017-0.068 mu g/kg/min) promptly controlled hypertension on two occa sions. The drug was given for a total of 65 days and then stopped afte r the appearance of severe thrombocytopenia; other side effects includ ed sporadic hyperthermia and irritability. Blood pressure was then sta bilized satisfactory by a multiple-antihypertensive regimen. In the li ght of these findings, we believe that PGE, infusion is a possible the rapeutic alternative for babies with idiopathic arterial calcification complicated by severe hypertension refractory to conventional treatme nt.