Definition

Oxygen passes from a mother to a baby through the umbilical cord before birth. A baby's lungs should take over after birth. Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is when this does not happen and blood flows away from the lungs because of high blood pressure in the arteries that go to the lungs. The baby will not get enough oxygen. This is a serious problem that can cause long-term health problems.

Circulatory System of Infant Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

The exact cause is not always known. It may be caused by

• Meconium aspiration syndrome—the baby inhales the first stool prior to or shortly after birth
• Respiratory distress syndrome—caused by lungs that have not fully developed
• Lack of oxygen during delivery
• Severe infection, such as pneumonia
• Low blood sugar
• Birth defects of the heart and lungs

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in full-term babies. It is also more common in premature babies who have health problems that affect breathing. Other things that may raise a baby's risk are:

• Stress to the fetus during pregnancy or delivery
• Health conditions of the mother, such as diabetes

Symptoms

PPHN may cause:

• Problems breathing, such as flared nostrils or grunting
• Fast breathing
• Fast heart rate
• Blue skin color

Diagnosis

A physical exam will be done. Blood tests will also be done. The baby's oxygen levels will be checked. This can be done with pulse oximetry monitoring. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.

Images will be taken of the heart to confirm the diagnosis. This can be done with an echocardiogram.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to increase oxygen to the baby. This can be done with:

• Extra oxygen to relax blood vessels to the lungs and improve blood flow to them
• Breathing support in babies who cannot breathe on their own

Other methods may be: