Background Transport of infants with suspected duct dependent congenital heart disease (DDCHD) represents a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma, specifically in relation to use of prostaglandin E¹ (PGE₁) to maintain ductal patency.

Aims To evaluate factors influencing, and consequences of, PGE₁ use in transport of infants with suspected DDCHD or persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN).

Methods Retrospective study of infants’ ≤10 days old with suspected DDCHD/PPHN transferred to the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, by NETS (Victoria) identified from transport and hospital databases.

Results Of 142 eligible infants, 81 had DDCHD, 51 had PPHN and 10 had neither. Diagnostic accuracy of DDCHD by transport team was 77%. PGE₁ was commenced in 50% of infants, 63% of DDCHD group, and 19% of non-DDCHD group.

“Time critical” transfers were significantly associated with PGE₁ use; transfer distance and air/land were not. PGE₁ use was significantly associated with the presence of cyanosis, abnormal pulses and lower initial SpO₂ and PaO₂.

Ventilation and inotrope use during transfer were significantly higher in infants with DDCHD who received PGE₁, than those who did not (both P 0.007). Use of PGE₁ significantly shortened length of stay in PPHN but not DDCHD patients. There was no significant difference in death rates between PGE₁ and no-PGE₁ group.

Conclusions Although the ability of transport personnel to differentiate DDCHD from PPHN and correctly administer PGE₁ was high, 35% of infants with DDCHD were transferred without PGE₁. Cyanosis, abnormal pulses and initial hypoxemia influenced the decision to start PGE₁. PGE₁ may improve outcome in PPHN.