LIPO-PGE(1) TREATMENT OF THE NEONATE WITH CRITICAL CONGENITAL HEART-DISEASE AND DUCTUS-ARTERIOSUS DEPENDENT CIRCULATION

The effects of lipo-PGE(1) and the conventional PGE(1) were compared i n the treatment of neonates with critical congenital heart disease and ductus-arteriosus-dependent circulation. Lipo-PGE(1) is effective in a smaller dose, with a one-tenth dose of lipo-PGE(1) being equivalent to conventional PGE(1). Lipo-PGE(1) has less side effects such as apne a and diarrhea. Lipo-PGE(1) shows persistence of effect for several da ys' duration after cessation of continuous administration. Because of these features, lipo-PGE(1) is the first choice for treatment of neona tes with pulmonary atresia and complete transposition of the great art eries. For treatment of neonates with interruption or coarctation of t he aorta and hypoplastic left heart, conventional PGE(1) in large dose s is indicated rather than lipo-PGE(1).