Idiopathic Arterial Calcification of Infancy: Effectiveness of Prostaglandin Infusion for Treatment of Secondary Hypertension Refractory to Conventional Therapy: Case Report
- Resource Type
- Authors
- V. Forleo; G. Ciana; U. de de Vonderweid; A. Benettoni; F. Colonna; F. Brizzi
- Source
- Pediatric Cardiology. 18:67-71
- Subject
- medicine.medical_specialty
Secondary hypertension
Prostaglandin
chemistry.chemical_compound
Refractory
medicine
Humans
Prostaglandin E1
business.industry
Prostaglandins E
Infant, Newborn
Calcinosis
medicine.disease
Surgery
Cardiac surgery
Arterial calcification
Regimen
Blood pressure
chemistry
Echocardiography
Anesthesia
Hypertension
Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health
Female
Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
business
Infant, Premature
- Language
- ISSN
- 1432-1971
0172-0643
A premature baby had severe hypertension associated with idiopathic arterial calcification of infancy. Despite the fact that there was laboratory evidence of renin-mediated hypertension, the disease was refractory to specific renin antagonist and failed to respond to conventional medical treatment. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) infusion (dosage range 0.017-0.068 microgram/kg/min) promptly controlled hypertension on two occasions. The drug was given for a total of 65 days and then stopped after the appearance of severe thrombocytopenia; other side effects included sporadic hyperthermia and irritability. Blood pressure was then stabilized satisfactory by a multiple-antihypertensive regimen. In the light of these findings, we believe that PGE1 infusion is a possible therapeutic alternative for babies with idiopathic arterial calcification complicated by severe hypertension refractory to conventional treatment.