Trends, Burden, and Inequality in Neonatal Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Global Estimates From 1990 to 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare but life-threatening disorder in neonates, characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and right heart failure. Despite advances in neonatal intensive care, the global burden of neonatal PAH remains poorly defined, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study provides the first comprehensive global estimates of mortality, incidence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to PAH among neonates from 1990 to 2021.

Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, we estimated incidence, mortality, and DALY rates for neonatal PAH across 204 countries and territories by year, sex, and socio-demographic index (SDI). Mortality was modeled using the Cause of Death Ensemble model, and Nonfatal outcomes were estimated using DisMod-MR 2.1. Inequality was assessed using the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and the Concentration Index of Inequality (CII). Trends were evaluated using average annual percent change (AAPC) based on segmented regression models.

Globally, the mortality rate for neonatal PAH declined from 12.44 per 100,000 live births (95% UI: 8.89-15.22) in 1990 to 4.86 per 100,000 (3.77-6.22) in 2021, corresponding to an AAPC of -2.85% (95% CI: -2.97 to -2.72). DALY rates fell from 1,119.20 per 100,000 (799.91-1369.68) to 437.67 per 100,000 (339.45-560.09) over the same period. Incidence remained relatively stable, with a slight increase during 2016-2021 (AAPC: + 0.15%; 95% CI: 0.09-0.22). Regional disparities persisted, with the highest burden concentrated in low- and low-middle SDI countries. Inequality worsened over time: the CII for DALYs decreased from -0.29 (95% CI: -0.42 to -0.11) in 1990 to -0.34 (-0.46 to -0.18) in 2021, and the SII grew more negative across all metrics, indicating an increasing concentration of burden in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.

Neonatal PAH mortality and DALY rates have declined globally since 1990, but the incidence rate remains stable and substantial inequalities persist. The burden is disproportionately higher in low-SDI countries, underscoring the critical need for equitable access to neonatal care, improved diagnostics, and targeted health interventions to reduce preventable deaths and disparities.