Which therapy is expected in the management of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)?

PPHN is caused by the failure of the pulmonary vasculature to relax after birth. Management includes:

Oxygen therapyas a pulmonary vasodilator

Alkalinization(e.g., sodium bicarbonate) toincrease pH, which helps decrease pulmonaryvascular resistance

Inhaled nitric oxide and ECMO are also advanced interventions if initial therapies fail.

“Initial management of PPHN includes oxygen, mechanical ventilation, and alkalinization to reduce pulmonary vascular resistance.”

(Referenced from CCRN Pediatric – Direct Care: Pulmonary, Neonatal Pulmonary Hypertension)