Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

Isolation of Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells from Neonatal Mice
Published on: October 19, 2013
Pulmonary hypertension in an infant treated with ibuprofen
Arvind Sehgal1, Prasanna S N Kumarshingri
1Monash Newborn, Monash Children's, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. sehgalarvind@yahoo.ca
Insights
Ibuprofen is common for treating patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants. However, rare cases show severe hypoxemia and pulmonary hypertension, possibly due to dosage or composition.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pharmacology
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is prevalent in preterm infants.
- Ibuprofen is a standard medical treatment for PDA closure.
- Its efficacy is comparable to indomethacin.
Observation:
- Few case reports document severe hypoxemia and pulmonary hypertension post-prophylactic ibuprofen.
- These adverse events appear rare but serious.
Findings:
- Cumulative dose effects of ibuprofen may be a contributing factor.
- The chemical composition of ibuprofen could influence its safety profile.
- Potential mechanisms for these complications in preterm infants are explored.
Implications:
- Careful consideration of ibuprofen dosage and formulation is crucial for preterm infants.
- Further research into the mechanisms underlying these rare adverse events is warranted.
- This highlights the need for vigilant monitoring during PDA treatment.
Abstract:
Presence of symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus is common in small preterm infants and ibuprofen is commonly used for its medical closure. While efficacy is comparable to indomethacin, there are few case reports of severe hypoxemia and pulmonary hypertension following prophylactic ibuprofen administration. Cumulative dose effects and chemical composition may be important considerations. Possible mechanisms of occurrence of this complication in a preterm infant are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue, improving...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Among the PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil (Revatio) stands out as a competitive and selective inhibitor. It operates by elevating cellular levels of cGMP and augmenting signaling through the cGMP-PKG pathway, promoting vasodilation. Upon oral...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE). Of...
