Use of prostaglandin E1 for emergency palliation of symptomatic coarctation of the aorta

Abstract

Prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁) was infused into the pulmonary artery in a 1‐day‐old infant with symptomatic coarctation. Umbilical artery pressure rose from 50/40 mm Hg before infusion to 83/48 mm Hg after infusion, indicating significant improvement in lower‐body perfusion. Successful coarctation repair was performed during continued PGE₁ infusion. To our knowledge, this is the first reported patient in whom PGE₁ has been used for successful emergency palliation of symptomatic coarctation.