Novel drug targets for ductus arteriosus manipulation: Looking beyond prostaglandins

Forty years ago, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were first reported to decrease systemic prostaglandin levels and promote ductus arteriosus (DA) closure. And yet, prolonged patency of the DA (PDA) remains a significant clinical problem, complicated by imperfect therapies and wide variations in treatment strategy. There are few pharmacology-based tools available for treating PDA (indomethacin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen), or for maintaining DA patency (PGE1) as is needed to facilitate corrective surgery for ductus-dependent congenital heart defects.
Source: Seminars in Perinatology - Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Source Type: research