Persistent pulmonary hypertension is also known as   persistent fetal circulation. It is when a newborn’s circulation  reverts back to the circulation of a fetus where much of the blood flow bypasses the lungs. It usually occurs in newborns after a difficult birth or birth  asphyxia.

What are the symptoms ?

Symptoms include the following :

• Baby appears sick at delivery and the first few hours after birth.
• Rapid heart rate and breathing.
• Blue coloring of the skin.
• Low blood oxygen levels.
• Hands and feet that are cool to touch .
• Low blood pressure throughout the body.

Who is at risk ?

Factors that increases an baby’s  risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension include the following :

• Meconium aspiration : This occurs when the baby breathes in its own sticky poop (meconium).
• Lack of oxygen before and during birth.
• Respiratory distress syndrome : This occurs in infants who do not have a fully developed lungs.
• Infection

How is it diagnosed ?

These  tests may be used to diagnose persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn .

• Blood tests
• Check x-rays
• Pulse oximetry (a noninvasive way to measure oxygen levels in the blood).
• Echocardiogram  (a detailed ultrasound of the baby’s heart).

What are the treatment options ?

Treatment includes :

• Supplemental oxygen
• Inhaling nitric oxide to help dilate  the blood vessels in the lungs
• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
• Mechanical breathing machine.
• Medications to relax the baby’s muscles so that he will better respond to the mechanical ventilator.

It may take weeks or  even months for the baby’s lungs o fully recover after treatment . It is important to help prevent the baby from catching a cold or the flu virus during this time. It is also important to see your pediatrician and other specialist to screen for normal developmental milestone.