[Sympathomimetic drugs in the newborn infant]

In newborn infants with compromised clinical conditions, it is frequently necessary to improve the perfusion of the vital organs, and the choice often falls on sympathomimetic drugs. However their appropriate use is still discussed and the difference of the opinions about their choice is partially due to scarcity of controlled clinical studies. The purpose of this study is to supply, on the basis of the present knowledges, the opportunity of a rational choice and use of the sympathomimetic drugs in the neonate. The Authors consider the development of the cardiovascular sympathetic innervation and the different responsiveness to sympathomimetic drugs of the human foetus, compared to those of the animal foetuses. Then they discuss the pharmacological characteristics of some of the most important sympathomimetic drugs: adrenaline, isoproterenol, dopamine, dobutamine, indicating choice, and clinical use of them.