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Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Intraductal Delivery to the Rabbit Mammary Gland
Published on: March 9, 2017
Prostaglandin therapy for ductal patency: how long is too long?
Malcolm Brodlie1, Milind Chaudhari, Asif Hasan
1Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Insights
Managing premature infants with duct-dependent congenital heart defects is difficult. Prolonged prostaglandin infusion successfully delayed cardiac surgery, allowing growth and reducing surgical risks.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal cardiology
- Pediatric cardiac surgery
- Congenital heart disease management
Background:
- Duct-dependent congenital heart defects (CCHDs) in premature or low birth weight neonates present significant management challenges.
- Early surgical intervention in these vulnerable infants carries high risks due to prematurity and underdeveloped physiology.
Observation:
- Two cases of preterm, low birth weight infants with CCHDs are presented.
- Cardiac surgery was successfully deferred in both cases through medical management.
Findings:
- Maintaining ductal patency with a prolonged prostaglandin infusion enabled delayed surgical intervention.
- This approach facilitated infant growth and maturation prior to cardiopulmonary bypass.
Implications:
- Prolonged prostaglandin infusion is a viable strategy for managing select neonates with CCHDs.
- Delaying surgery allows for improved patient condition, potentially reducing perioperative morbidity and mortality.
Unlabelled:
The management of neonates born with duct-dependent congenital heart defects in association with prematurity or low birth weight is challenging. We describe two preterm and low birth weight infants with duct-dependent congenital heart disease where cardiac surgery was successfully delayed by maintaining ductal patency using a prolonged prostaglandin infusion. This allowed time for growth and maturation and therefore reduced the risks associated with surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass.
Conclusion:
Maintenance of ductal patency by a prolonged prostaglandin infusion in low birth weight or preterm infants with duct-dependent congenital heart disease is a viable option that allows cardiac surgery to be delayed whilst awaiting further growth and development.
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