Iris publishers- Global Journal of Pediatrics & Neonatal Care | Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Associated Pulmonary Hypertension

Authored by Amna Qasim

Objectives: To evaluate the implementation of the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2015 guidelines in the diagnosis (including the utility of cardiac catheterization) and management of bronchopulmonary dysplasia associated pulmonary hypertension (BPD-PH) in USA and Canada.

Methods: A validated 25-item questionnaire was sent to academic neonatal centers in USA and Canada to collect information on diagnosis, screening protocols, availability of resources and management of BPD-PH.

Results: 133 responses were included (112 USA and 21 Canadian providers). There were no significant differences in the resources and practices between USA and Canada. ECHO alone is most commonly used to screen infants for BPD-PH and cardiac catheterization is rarely utilized. Treatment of BPD-PH includes use of oxygen to maintain saturations > 95%, Sildenafil, Nitric oxide and combination of all above.

Conclusion: The AHA/ATS guidelines are being implemented partly. There is an urgent need for appropriate and practical guidelines for the management of BPD-PH.

The increased survival of premature infants has led to an increased incidence of complications associated with prematurity. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common chronic lung disease associated with prematurity that affects approximately 10,000-15,000 preterm infants [1] in USA alone with health costs exceeding $2.4 billion in USA alone [2] Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is one of the most significant complications of BPD due to its high associated morbidity and mortality. PH complicates approximately one-third infants with BPD cases [3-5] with high mortality (40%).

To read more...Pediatrics & Neonatal Care

To view more Journals... Iris Publishers