PPHD (1708)

Key points below


(PPHN)

How does a normal heart work?

The right side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs where the blood gets oxygen.  The left side of the heart gets this oxygen rich blood from the lungs and pumps it out to the rest of the body. 

What is Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)?

PPHN is a serious breathing problem in newborns.  Babies with PPHN have high blood pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood to the lungs.  It is hard for the blood to flow through the lungs.  The pressure in these vessels is too high (hypertension).  With less blood going to the lungs, there is less oxygen for the rest of the body.

What causes it?

Some causes are health problems in the baby.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of PPHN are from low oxygen levels in the body. Babies with PPHN may:

What tests might need to be done? 

An ultrasound of the baby’s heart may be done (echocardiogram).  This looks at the heart and the flow of the blood in and out of the heart.

How is PPHN treated?

Most babies with PPHN will need extra oxygen. This will help increase the amount of oxygen that goes to the body.  This will increase the blood flow to the lungs. 
Other treatments depend on the cause of PPHN (if known) and how bad the problem is. Medicines and breathing support may be needed.

Extra oxygen.
Inhaled nitric oxide. This helps get more blood flow into the lungs.
Surfactant.  This helps make breathing easier.
Antibiotics.  They help treat infections.
Antihypertensives.  Medicines to help keep a good blood pressure.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).  This helps keep your baby’s airway open.
Ventilators (also called mechanical ventilation.)  This does the breathing for your baby.
ECMO (stands for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation).  A machine that does the work of the baby’s lungs and heart for a short time. 

How will I know how my baby is doing?

Your healthcare team will give you updates on your baby. They will watch and measure how the heart and lungs are doing. They will:

What will happen as my baby grows?

Many babies do well with treatment for PPHN. Each baby is different. Talk to the healthcare team. They can answer any questions you have about your baby.

Adapted from information provided by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals and NICU Parent Education Resources (NICU-PET.com).