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Published on: May 11, 2015
Management of Pulmonary Hypertension in the Pediatric Patient
Rebecca Epstein1, Usha S Krishnan1
1Pediatric Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, CHN 2N, #255, 3959 Broadway, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Insights
Pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare childhood disease. Advances in understanding, diagnosis, and treatment have significantly improved survival rates for children with PH.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric pulmonology
- Cardiology
- Rare diseases
Background:
- Pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare condition with high morbidity and mortality.
- Pediatric PH is increasingly recognized as distinct from adult PH, with unique characteristics.
- Recent advancements have improved survival for children with PH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the different forms of pediatric PH.
- To discuss established and investigational therapies for pediatric PH.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pediatric pulmonary hypertension.
- Analysis of current and emerging treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Pediatric PH requires specialized understanding and management.
- Survival rates have improved due to better diagnosis and available medications.
- A range of therapies, both current and experimental, are available.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric PH is a unique entity requiring tailored approaches.
- Ongoing research and therapeutic development are crucial for improving outcomes.
- This review provides an overview of current knowledge and treatment options for pediatric PH.
Abstract:
Pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare disease with historically very high morbidity and mortality. In the past 20 years, there has been a growing recognition that pediatric PH, although having similarities to adult PH, is a unique entity with its own particular pathogeneses, presentation, and management. With better understanding and earlier diagnosis of pediatric PH, and as more medications have become available, survival of children with PH has also significantly improved. This article reviews the various forms of PH in childhood, with a focus on both established and investigational therapies that are available for children with PH.
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