Management of Pulmonary Hypertension in Term Infants—A Review

Abstract

Abstract Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in the term newborn is associated with roughly one-fifth higher mortality and morbidity. The diagnosis of PH is confirmed by echocardiogram based on established criteria, including assessment of cardiac function, size of the shunts, and presence of hypovolemia. The elementary steps in the management of PH are supportive measures followed by oxygenation, ventilation including possibly high frequency ventilation; lung recruitment and surfactant therapy. Ventilation strategies are based on the etiology of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)-like lung parenchymal disease, or hypoplasia. Oxygenation index (OI) or oxygen saturation index (OSI) are the parameters used for monitoring the disease progression and treatment. Surfactant is given if OI >5 in PPHN due to underlying lung disease, and pulmonary vasodilators such as sildenafil are contemplated if OI <15 and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) if OI >15. If iNO and sildenafil fail, the options available are milrinone, bosentan, adenosine, and prostaglandins. Extra corporeal membrane oxygenation is the final option available with OI >40. A structured algorithmic approach for the management of PH in term infants is discussed in this review. Novel therapies targeting specific pathways in the pulmonary vasculature are under investigation.