Early Pulmonary Hypertension in Preterm Infants

Clin Perinatol. 2024 Mar;51(1):171-193. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2023.11.005. Epub 2023 Dec 16.

Abstract

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in preterm neonates has multifactorial pathogenesis with unique characteristics. Premature surfactant-deficient lungs are injured following exposure to positive pressure ventilation and high oxygen concentrations resulting in variable phenotypes of PH. The prevalence of early PH is variable and reported to be between 8% and 55% of extremely preterm infants. Disruption of the lung development and vascular signaling pathway could lead to abnormal pulmonary vascular transition. The management of early PH and the off-label use of selective pulmonary vasodilators continue to be controversial.

Keywords: Chronic lung disease; Preterm infants; Pulmonary hypertension.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary* / epidemiology
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary* / therapy
  • Infant
  • Infant, Extremely Premature
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Lung
  • Positive-Pressure Respiration
  • Pulmonary Surfactants* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Pulmonary Surfactants