children s health issues
Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn
Diagnosis
Bluish or gray discoloration even though the newborn is receiving oxygen Echocardiogram Chest x-ray Doctors may suspect persistent pulmonary hypertension if the mother took high doses ofaspirinoribuprofenduring pregnancy or had a stressful delivery. They also suspect persistent pulmonary hypertension if the newborn has severe trouble breathing, bluish or gray discoloration that does not go away when high concentrations of supplemental oxygen are given, and unexpectedly low oxygen levels in the blood. Doctors may also suspect persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns who have meconium aspiration syndrome, who may have an infection, or who need more oxygen or breathing support than expected. To confirm the diagnosis of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, doctors do an Echocardiography and Other Ultrasound Procedures to see how blood flows through the heart and to the lungs. A chest x-ray may be normal or may show changes caused by an underlying disorder (such as diaphragmatic hernia or meconium aspiration syndrome). Cultures of the blood may be done to look for certain kinds of bacteria. 