Effectiveness of Alprostadil for Ductal Patency

This study aims to describe the effectiveness of low initial alprostadil dosages to maintain a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in infants with ductal-dependent congenital heart disease (DDCHD). Secondary objectives were to describe any adverse drug events, describe prescribing trends, describe ductus arteriosus diameter changes, and compare the safety and efficacy of very low and low initial alprostadil dosage regimens.

This retrospective observational cohort study at the British Columbia's Women's and Children's Hospital neonatal intensive care unit and pediatric intensive care unit examined neonates admitted with DDCHD who received alprostadil to maintain ductal patency. Very low-dose alprostadil (less than 0.01 mcg/kg/min) versus low-dose alprostadil (equal to or greater than 0.01 mcg/kg/min) was examined. Effectiveness was defined as survival and infants not requiring a resuscitation event (cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, code blue, extracorporeal life support, requirement for emergent cardiac surgery, and respiratory acidosis). Adverse drug events with a Naranjo score of 3 or more were included.

Alprostadil was effective for 88% of patients, with no difference between the very low-dose and low-dose groups. Of the 75 patients included, 25 received very low-dose alprostadil. Adverse drug events were common (51%) with neonates in the low-dose group experiencing more apnea and pyrexia than neonates in the very low-dose group.

Alprostadil therapy was effective in maintaining the PDA in neonates with DDCHD with low-dosage regimens. Adverse drug events were common with both dosage regimens; however, the very low dosage appeared to have less apnea and pyrexia.