Formation of biologically active 13,14‐dihydro‐prostaglandin E1 during intravenous infusion of prostaglandin E1 in newborns with ductus arteriosus‐dependent congenital heart disease.

Plasma concentrations of prostaglandin (PG) E1 (12‐150, median 25 pg ml‐ 1) and 13,14‐dihydro‐PGE1 (3‐62, median 45.5 pg ml‐1) were measured by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry in eight newborns with ductus arteriosus‐dependent congenital heart disease during continuous intravenous infusion of PGE1. Formation of 13,14‐dihydro‐PGE1 was demonstrated for the first time in neonates. Since 13,14‐dihydro‐PGE1 has similar biological activities as the parent compound PGE1, pharmacological effects during PGE1 infusion are most likely related to both PGE1 and the generation and action of 13,14‐dihydro‐PGE1.

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1992.tb04044.x

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