Pulmonary Hypertension in Preterm Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Christopher D Baker1, Steven H Abman1, Peter M Mourani2

  • 1Section of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine , Aurora, Colarado. ; Pediatric Heart Lung Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine , Aurora, Colarado.

Insights

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) can cause pulmonary hypertension (PH) in premature infants. This review covers PH pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management in BPD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Pediatric Cardiology

Background:

  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease in premature infants, significantly contributes to perinatal morbidity and mortality.
  • Premature birth disrupts lung development, leading to impaired gas exchange and pulmonary vascular remodeling, potentially causing pulmonary hypertension (PH).
  • Pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) and PH are common in BPD, even in milder cases, necessitating a better understanding of their pathophysiology.

Approach:

  • This article reviews the pathophysiology of PH in preterm infants with BPD.
  • It summarizes current clinical recommendations for diagnosing and managing PH in this vulnerable population.
  • The review targets neonatologists, primary care providers, pediatric cardiologists, and pulmonologists.

Key Points:

  • PH definition and diagnostic methods in BPD infants require further clarification.
  • Understanding the cascade of events from premature birth to PH is crucial.
  • Effective management strategies for PH in BPD are essential for improving outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate diagnosis and treatment of PH in BPD are critical for reducing perinatal morbidity and mortality.
  • Further research is needed to refine PH definitions and management guidelines.
  • This review provides a comprehensive overview for clinicians managing PH in preterm infants with BPD.

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis01:30

Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe health condition in which the mean pulmonary arterial pressure increases to 25 mmHg or more, even when the body is at rest. This high pressure in the blood vessels that transport blood from the heart to the lungs can cause various symptoms, including shortness of breath, can lead to right heart failure, and significantly affect the overall quality of life.
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
906
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation01:17

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation

In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
5.2K
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:29

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
1.5K
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:19

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...
39
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...
33
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
40