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Pulmonary arterial resistance and compliance in preterm infants

Seigo Okada1, Jun Muneuchi2, Yusaku Nagatomo2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Japan Community Healthcare Organization, Kyushu Hospital, 1-8-1, Kishinoura, Yahatanishiku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 806-8501, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minamikogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan.

International Journal of Cardiology
|June 23, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Preterm infants with pulmonary arterial hypertension have lower pulmonary compliance (Cp), leading to increased pulmonary arterial pressure. This highlights unique pulmonary vasculature in preterm infants requiring consideration in congenital heart disease management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Pulmonology

Background:

  • Preterm birth increases the risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
  • Pulmonary hemodynamics in preterm infants are not fully understood.
  • Pulmonary arterial resistance (Rp) and compliance (Cp) are key hemodynamic parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clarify the relationship between pulmonary arterial resistance (Rp) and compliance (Cp) in preterm infants.
  • To compare pulmonary hemodynamics between preterm and full-term infants.

Main Methods:

  • Cardiac catheterization was performed in 96 infants with ventricular septal defect.
  • Pulmonary hemodynamic parameters, including Rp and Cp, were compared between preterm and full-term groups.

Main Results:

  • Preterm infants had significantly lower preoperative pulmonary compliance (Cp) and RC time than full-term infants.
  • Postoperative pulmonary arterial pressures were higher in preterm infants.
  • Postoperative Cp was lower in preterm infants, while Rp remained unchanged.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm infants with pulmonary arterial hypertension exhibit lower pulmonary compliance (Cp).
  • Lower Cp contributes to a modest increase in pulmonary arterial pressure in preterm infants.
  • Understanding the unique pulmonary vasculature of preterm infants is crucial for managing congenital heart disease.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cardiovascular diseasePremature deliveryPulmonary artery hypertensionResistance-compliance coupling

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