Treatment of pediatric pulmonary hypertension

Abstract

Pulmonary hypertension was once thought to be a rare condition and only managed in specialized centers. Now however, with the advent of echocardiography, it is found in many clinical scenarios, in the neonate with chronic lung disease, in the acute setting in the intensive care unit, in connective tissue disease and in cardiology pre- and postoperatively. We have a better understanding of the pathological process and have a range of medication which is starting to be able to palliate this previously fatal condition. This review describes the areas that are known in this condition and those that are less familiar. The basic physiology behind pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular disease is explained. The histopathologic process and the various diagnostic tools are described and are followed by the current and future therapy at our disposal.

Keywords:

• pulmonary hypertension
• congenital heart disease
• pulmonary vascular resistance
• pulmonary vasodilators

Disclosure

Dr. Hawkins reports no conflict of interest in this work. Dr. Tulloh has received lecture fees and honoria from Actelion, Pfizer and GlaxoSmithkline.