Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2025

Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
Published on: January 27, 2023
Assessment of Blood Prostaglandin E2 Metabolite Levels among Infants Born Preterm with Patent Ductus Arteriosus: A
Motomichi Nagafuji1, Satoshi Fujiyama2, Kosuke Doki3
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Tsukuba Hospital, Tsukuba Ibaraki, Japan.
Objective:
To assess the role of prostaglandin E2 by measuring blood prostaglandin E2 metabolite (PGEM) concentrations in preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
Study Design:
A prospective observational study of preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestational age (GA) was performed in a single tertiary hospital in Japan. Blood samples were collected to measure serum concentrations of PGEM, ibuprofen (IBU), and cytokines. Multiple regression analyses assessed associations between blood PGEM levels and perinatal factors, development of hemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA), and IBU treatment response of hsPDA.
Results:
Seventy-nine infants (median GA 28 weeks) were enrolled in this study. Forty-seven received IBU for hsPDA treatment 1 d after birth in median. PDA closure occurred in 25 infants after a single IBU treatment. Serum PGEM concentrations were associated with histologic chorioamnionitis (P < .01), but not with GA, respiratory distress syndrome, or serum IL-6 concentrations. Serum PGEM concentrations decreased after initial IBU treatment; however, they were not associated with hsPDA development (P = .39). IBU concentrations correlated with IBU treatment response (aOR 1.29, P < .01). However, pre-IBU serum PGEM levels and PGEM reduction ratio did not (P = .13, .15, respectively).
Conclusions:
Serum PGEM concentrations in preterm infants were associated with maternal histologic chorioamnionitis, but not hsPDA development. IBU treatment response was associated with higher blood IBU concentrations, but not PGEM concentrations.
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...
Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this...

