Diagnosis and management of pulmonary hypertension in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a guide for paediatric respiratory specialists

Abstract

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can develop in babies with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). PH is common in those with severe BPD and is associated with a high mortality rate. However, in babies surviving beyond 6 months, resolution of PH is likely. There is currently no standardised screening protocol for PH in BPD patients. Diagnosis in this group relies heavily on transthoracic echocardiography. Management of BPD-PH should be led by a multidisciplinary team and focus on optimal medical management of the BPD and associated conditions that may contribute to PH. PH-targeted pharmacotherapies have been used in BPD-PH. To date, these have not been investigated in clinical trials and evidence of their efficacy and safety is absent. Educational aims To identify those BPD patients most at risk of developing PH. To be aware of detection, multidisciplinary management, pharmacological treatment and monitoring strategies for BPD-PH patients. To understand the potential clinical course for patients with BPD-PH and that evidence on efficacy and safety of PH-targeted pharmacotherapy in BPD-PH is limited.