Clinical uses of prostaglandins in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine

Abstract

Summary Our knowledge of the therapeutic use of prostaglandins has increased dramatically in recent years. As clinical experience and familiarity with these agents grows, and is guided by properly conducted clinical trials, the true place of prostaglandins in clinical practice will become apparent. Unfortunately, much of the use of prostanoids today is based on uncontrolled studies and clinical impressions. Currently, the major roles for prostaglandins are in obstetric practice, in the treatment of ductus-dependent congenital heart disease, in the interim treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension, in acute post-CPB right ventricular afterload mismatch or right ventricular failure, and possibly in some forms of peripheral vascular disease.