Supporting preterm cardiovascular function

Lingwood, Barbara E., Eiby, Yvonne A., Bjorkman, Stella T., Miller, Stephanie M., and Wright, Ian M.R. (2019) Supporting preterm cardiovascular function. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, 46 (3). pp. 274-279.

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Abstract

Preterm infants are at higher risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Inadequate cerebral oxygen delivery resulting from poor cardiovascular function is likely to be a significant contributor to preterm brain injury. In this context, improved support of cardiovascular function is integral to improving preterm outcomes. Many of the treatments used to support preterm cardiovascular function are based on adult physiology and may not be appropriate for the unique physiology of the preterm infant. The preterm heart is structurally immature with reduced contractility and low cardiac output. However, there is limited evidence that inotropic support with dopamine and/or dobutamine is effective in preterm babies. Hypovolemia may also contribute to poor preterm cardiovascular function; there is evidence that capillary leakage results in considerable loss of plasma from the circulation of newborn preterm babies. In addition, the vasoconstrictor response to acute stimuli does not develop until quite late in gestation and is limited in the preterm infant. This may lead to inappropriate vasodilatation adding to functional hypovolemia. The first line treatment for hypotension in preterm infants is volume expansion with crystalloid solutions, but this has limited efficacy in the preterm infant. More effective methods of volume expansion are required. Effective support of preterm cardiovascular function requires better understanding of preterm cardiovascular physiology so that treatments can target mechanisms that are sufficiently mature to respond.

Item ID: 62773
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1440-1681
Keywords: extremely premature, hypotension, hypovolemia, infant, vasodilatation
Copyright Information: © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Australia.
Additional Information:

Presented at the Australian Physiological Society meeting, Melbourne November 2017.

Date Deposited: 15 May 2020 04:30
FoR Codes: 32 BIOMEDICAL AND CLINICAL SCIENCES > 3213 Paediatrics > 321303 Neonatology @ 50%
32 BIOMEDICAL AND CLINICAL SCIENCES > 3201 Cardiovascular medicine and haematology > 320199 Cardiovascular medicine and haematology not elsewhere classified @ 50%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9205 Specific Population Health (excl. Indigenous Health) > 920501 Child Health @ 50%
92 HEALTH > 9201 Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions) > 920103 Cardiovascular System and Diseases @ 50%
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