Successful Treatment of a Neonate with Idiopathic Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension with Inhaled Nitric Oxide via Nasal Cannula without Mechanical Ventilation

Abstract

We report a case study of a term neonate presenting with oxygen desaturation without respiratory distress or acidosis, despite receiving 100% oxygen through a nasal cannula. Echocardiogram showed evidence of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). She was successfully treated with inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) via nasal cannula without requiring mechanical ventilation. In a term neonate with idiopathic PPHN with adequate respiratory drive without any parenchymal lung disease, noninvasive methods of iNO delivery may treat the condition without the complications associated with mechanical ventilation.

Keywords

• hypoxemic respiratory failure
• noninvasive ventilation