Aerosolized iloprost therapy in an infant with chronic pulmonary hypertension after a neonatal arterial switch operation

The treatment of chronic pulmonary hypertension with prostacyclin in children is prone to severe complications due to mandatory long-term venous therapy. Inhaled iloprost has been evaluated in adult patients with good preliminary results. Case report. - We report our experience of the use of aerosolized iloprost in an infant treated for pulmonary hypertension associated to a right ventricular failure, which occurred after a neonatal arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries. For nine months, hemodynamic and functional status improved and the quality of life was satisfactory at home. Conclusion. - If further experiences and studies support this observation, aerosolized iloprost could be an alternative to prostacyclin venous therapy in treating children with chronic pulmonary hypertension. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.