Question
The most appropriate management for maintaining patency of ductus arteriosus in a neonate is –
| A. |
Prostaglandin E1 |
| B. |
Oxygen |
| C. |
Nitric oxide |
| D. |
Indomethacin |
Show Answer
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Correct Answer » A Explanation |
 |
- Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1, Alprostadil) is the drug of choice for maintaining the patency of the ductus arteriosus in neonates with duct-dependent congenital heart diseases.
- It acts by relaxing the smooth muscle of the ductus arteriosus, thereby preventing its physiological closure.
- Maintaining ductal patency ensures adequate pulmonary or systemic blood flow until definitive surgical or catheter-based intervention can be performed.
- The uploaded notes state:
- “Drugs to keep duct open in duct-dependent conditions – PGE1.”
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
B. Oxygen
- Oxygen promotes constriction and physiological closure of the ductus arteriosus by increasing arterial oxygen tension.
- It is not used to maintain ductal patency and may worsen the condition in duct-dependent lesions by accelerating ductal closure.
C. Nitric Oxide
- Nitric oxide is a selective pulmonary vasodilator used in the treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).
- It does not maintain the patency of the ductus arteriosus.
D. Indomethacin
- Indomethacin is a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor that decreases prostaglandin synthesis.
- It causes constriction and closure of the ductus arteriosus.
- It is used for medical closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), especially in preterm infants.