The management of hypotension in the neonatal intensive care unit

Hypotension in the first few days of a pre-term baby's life is not an uncommon event. This paper will define hypotension and give the reader a clear understanding of how blood pressure is maintained in the first few days of life. It will provide information on the physiology of cardiac output (CO), and blood pressure (BP) regulation in the newborn infant. An appreciation of this physiology is essential to effectively administer and manage the commonly used pharmacological agents ‘inotropes’ in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).