You may have heard the term "blue baby syndrome," often referring to a newborn whose skin turns blue due to a lack of oxygenated blood flow. In persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), the baby’s lung blood vessels are not wide enough for adequate circulation.
PPHN — Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in the Neonate
PPHN is a serious breathing condition affecting newborns, usually seen in full-term babies or those born at 34 weeks or more. Affected newborns often have breathing difficulty that can make normal functioning harder.
What Causes PPHN?
During gestation, the mother’s placenta delivers oxygen to the baby, and the lung blood vessels are not fully open, so little blood goes to the lungs. After birth, the first cry causes these blood vessels to open and let blood flow to the lungs to pick up oxygen. PPHN occurs when these vessels do not fully open, limiting the amount of oxygen delivered to the brain and other organs.
Risk Factors
- Meconium aspiration — taking in bowel matter before birth
- Oxygen deprivation before or at the time of birth
- Lung or blood infection
- A mother with diabetes
Treatment
Treatment aims to increase oxygen flow and maintain healthy blood oxygen levels, open the lung blood vessels, and maintain normal blood pressure through oxygen, medicines, and fluids.
Oxygenation
- A nasal cannula delivers oxygen through the nostrils from an oxygen tank
- Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) gently forces air or oxygen into the lungs
- A ventilator breathes for the baby via an intubation tube until the baby can breathe independently
- High-frequency oscillation ventilation delivers rapid, short bursts of air through the tube
Medicines and Fluids
Medicines and fluids are delivered through an intravenous catheter, which may be placed in the umbilical cord or as a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line) running from the arms or legs to a large blood vessel near the heart.
- Blood pressure medications to keep BP at the right level
- Antibiotics to treat or prevent infection
- Sedatives to help keep the baby calm and rested
- Surfactants to help the lungs use oxygen and expel carbon dioxide more effectively
Final Note
Lung doctors can help you understand a PPHN diagnosis and provide a proper treatment plan.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition.