Prostacyclin aerosol in an infant with pulmonary hypertension.

Prostacyclin aerosol (100 ng/kg.min) caused selective pulmonary vasodilation without causing systemic hypotension in an infant with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. Cardiac index increased suggesting improved right ventricular function. CONCLUSION Aerosolized prostacyclin causes selective pulmonary vasodilation and may thereby improve systemic haemodynamics in infants with primary pulmonary hypertension. Because of the lack of known toxicity and the uncomplicated mode of administration it may be a useful alternative to inhaled nitric oxide.