Pulmonary hypertension

Published on 03/06/2015 by admin

Filed under Neonatal - Perinatal Medicine

Last modified 03/06/2015

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CHAPTER 6 Pulmonary hypertension

Description

Whilst pulmonary artery pressures are increased in this condition, the main pathophysiological problem is the restriction of pulmonary blood flow due to increased pulmonary vascular resistance.

Some degree of pulmonary hypertension will be present with any significant lung disease (such as hyaline membrane disease, HMD); we usually use the term when there is significant pulmonary blood flow restriction and hypoxia due to:

1. pulmonary hypoplasia (e.g. diaphragmatic hernia, oligohydramnios)

2. increased pulmonary arteriolar muscle constriction (which may be sensitive to hypoxaemia and acidaemia)

— primary (i.e. no apparent cause) — once known as persistent fetal circulation

— secondary to lung disease, such as meconium aspiration syndrome or infection.

Management

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Pocket Notes on Neonatology 2e