(PPHN; Persistent Fetal Circulation [PFC]; Syndrome of Pulmonary Hypertension of Newborn [SPHN])
Definition
Definition
Oxygen is needed in every cell of the body. It first enters the body through the lungs. The oxygen is then picked up by the blood flowing by the lungs. The blood brings oxygen to the rest of the body. In newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), the blood does not flow by the lungs.
The baby’s lungs are not used during pregnancy. Instead, oxygen passes from the mother to the baby through the umbilical cord, bypassing the lungs. After the baby is born, the baby’s lungs should take over. When this does not occur, most of the blood flow bypasses the lungs, does not pick up oxygen, and the body does not get enough oxygen.
PPHN can be a serious condition. It can cause both immediate and long-term health problems.
Circulatory System of InfantCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Causes
Causes
PPHN can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
-
An event or illness during pregnancy or childbirth, such as:
- Meconium aspiration syndrome (the baby inhales meconium—the first stool—prior to or shortly after birth)
- Severe pneumonia
- Infection
- Low blood sugar
- Birth asphyxia (loss of oxygen to the fetus during delivery)
- Respiratory distress syndrome—caused by lungs that have not fully developed
- Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by the mother during pregnancy
- Late trimester maternal use of antidepressants, especially SSRIs
- Amniotic fluid leak
- Low amniotic fluid—oligohydramnios
- Abnormal lung development as a result of congenital diaphragmatic hernia or Potter syndrome
- Stress during pregnancy
- Isolated condition with an unknown cause
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your baby’s chance of PPHN include:
- Stress to the fetus during pregnancy or delivery
- Health conditions of the mother, including diabetes
- Complications during birth or pregnancy
Symptoms
Symptoms
PPHN may cause
- Rapid breathing—tachypnea
- Rapid heart rate—tachycardia
- Difficulty breathing—signs may include flared nostrils or grunting
- Blue tint to the skin, even when the baby is receiving oxygen
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your baby’s symptoms. Your pregnancy history may also be reviewed. A physical exam will be done.
Your baby’s bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with:
- Blood tests
- Pulse oximetry monitoring—continuous monitoring of oxygen levels in the blood
Images may be taken of your baby’s bodily structures. This can be done with:
- Chest x-rays—to help diagnose lung disease or enlarged heart
- Echocardiogram—ultrasound of the heart to show the baby’s circulating blood flow
- Head ultrasound—to look for bleeding in the brain
Treatment
Treatment
Treatment for PPHN is typically given by a doctor who specializes in newborn illness.
Treatment begins with correcting any related conditions. These conditions can include low blood sugar, low oxygen levels, low blood pressure, and low blood pH. Treatment may include:
Oxygen
Extra oxygen is the most important treatment for PPHN. Oxygen will relax blood vessels to the lungs and improve the flow of blood to the lungs. It may be given with nasal prongs or a hood.
Ventilator
A ventilator is a machine that will help your baby breathe. It may be used if your baby can not get enough oxygen in other ways. A tube will be placed in the baby’s throat. The tube is connected to the ventilation machine. The ventilator will deliver air and oxygen with gentle pressure. The pressure will help keep the lungs open.
Nitric Oxide
Nitric oxide is a gas. It may be delivered before or during ventilation. Nitric oxide may relax blood vessels. This will also improve the flow of blood in the lungs.
Medications
Medications may be given to relax your infant, especially if a ventilator is needed.
There are a number of new medications to treat PPHN that are being reviewed. One example is sildenafil, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction. Small studies have shown positive results with sildenafil. However, larger studies are needed to confirm the benefits and safety of the medication.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
ECMO is a machine that can take over the job of the lungs. It requires major surgery. ECMO may be done if your child has a severe cases of PPHN that is not responding to other treatments. This procedure is done to take some stress off of your baby’s body. It can give your baby some time to heal.
Prevention
Prevention
Most cases of PPHN have no clear cause or are caused by uncontrollable events. For these cases there are no clear preventative steps. Some cases of PPHN may be prevented with proper prenatal care and good health of the mother during pregnancy. General tips for a healthy pregnancy include:
- Get good prenatal care. Start as early as possible in pregnancy.
- Eat a healthful diet and take recommended vitamins.
- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking drugs.
- Only take medications that your doctor has approved.
- Avoid taking certain anti-inflammatory or antidepressant medication. Talk to your doctor about alternatives that may be safer.
RESOURCES:
Kids Health—Nemours Foundation http://kidshealth.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/e/ecmo
Updated May 2015. Accessed September 14, 2015.
Lungs and respiratory system. Children’s Hospital Colorado website. Available at:
http://www.childrenscolorado.org/wellness-safety/health-library/for-parents/body-basics/lungs-and-respiratory-system
Updated October 2012. Accessed September 14, 2015.
Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated June 12, 2015. Accessed September 14, 2015.
PS Shah, A Ohlsson. Sildenafil for pulmonary hypertension in neonates. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007; 3:CD005494.
Last Updated: 5/28/2015