Constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus after administration of indomethacin to the pregnant ewe. J Pediatr 1979 Apr;94(4):647-50
Date
04/01/1979Pubmed ID
430314DOI
10.1016/s0022-3476(79)80043-8Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0018348909 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 77 CitationsAbstract
The prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor indomethacin was given orally or intravenously to pregnant ewes. This resulted in the fetal pulmonary to systemic arterial mean blood pressure difference across the ductus arteriosus rising significantly, presumably secondary to constriction of the ductus arteriosus. The pressure difference was due to pulmonary arterial hypertension, and not due to a fall in systemic arterial mean blood pressure. Fetal arterial blood gas tensions and pH values were normal throughout. In five experiments the pressure difference could be promptly but temporarily reversed by the administration of PGE1 into the fetal inferior vena cava. Indomethacin was present in fetal blood, and maternal plasma prostaglandin levels were suppressed. Indomethacin administration during pregnancy causes constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus and fetal pulmonary arterial hypertension which, if severe, may cause rapid fetal death. It is possible that this mechanism may be one cause of persistent pulmonary hypertension or tricuspid insufficiency or both in the newborn infant.
Author List
Levin DL, Mills LJ, Parkey M, Garriott J, Campbell WAuthor
William B. Campbell PhD Professor in the Pharmacology and Toxicology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AnimalsBlood Pressure
Ductus Arteriosus
Female
Fetal Diseases
Hypertension, Pulmonary
Indomethacin
Maternal-Fetal Exchange
Pregnancy
Prostaglandins E
Pulmonary Artery
Sheep
