Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn

Rapid evaluation of a neonate who is cyanotic and in respiratory distress is essential for achieving a good outcome. Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) can be a primary cause or a contributing factor to respiratory failure, particularly in neonates born at 34 weeks or more of gestation. PPHN represents a failure of normal postnatal adaptation that occurs at birth in the pulmonary circulation. Rapid advances in therapy in recent years have led to a remarkable decrease in mortality for the affected infants. Infants who survive PPHN are at significant risk for longterm hearing and neurodevelopmental impairments, however. This review focuses on the diagnosis, recent advances in management, and recommendations for the long-term follow-up of infants who have PPHN.