Cardiovascular therapy in the newborn.

Considerations for the use of the principal inotropic agents (digoxin and dopamine) in the newborn are discussed. The role of Prostaglandin-E in retaining the patency of the ductus arteriosus in the initial treatment of anomalous vessel formation is outlined. Conversely, chemotherapeutic possibilities for inhibiting prostaglandin production and thus encouraging closure of the ducts prior to surgical intervention are described.