How is persistent pulmonary hypertension diagnosed?
Specific treatment for persistent pulmonary hypertension will be determined by your baby’s physician based on: • your baby’s gestational age, overall health, and medical history • extent of the condition • your baby’s tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies • expectations for the course of the condition • your opinion or preference Treatment may include: • supplemental oxygen (giving 100 percent oxygen by a mask or plastic hood) • placing an endotracheal tube into the baby’s windpipe (ET tube) • mechanical breathing machine (to do the work of breathing for the baby) • medications (to completely relax the baby’s muscles and reflexes so that he/she will better respond to the mechanical ventilator) • inhalation of nitric oxide (to help dilate the blood vessels in the lungs) • extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) – a special technique that may be used when a baby does not respond to maximum medical care. With ECMO, blood from the baby’s veins is pumped through an
