PPHN

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)

A cardiopulmonary disorder characterized by marked pulmonary hypertension, causing right-to-left extrapulmonary shunting of blood, severe hypoxemia and acidemia in newborns.

Right-to-left shunting

A condition where blood flows from the right side of the heart to the left side, bypassing the lungs, often due to elevated pulmonary vascular resistance.

Causes of PPHN

Includes perinatal asphyxia, maternal smoking, pneumonia, congenital heart defects, and exposure to SSRIs during late pregnancy.

Symptoms of PPHN

Tachypnea, cyanosis, grunting, respiratory distress, and hypotension in newborns.

Nursing assessment for PPHN

Assess for tachypnea within 12 hours after birth, observe signs of respiratory distress and measure oxygen saturation.

Echocardiogram in PPHN

A diagnostic test used to reveal right-to-left shunting of blood, confirming the diagnosis of PPHN.

Nursing management of PPHN

Focuses on ensuring adequate tissue perfusion, minimizing oxygen demand, and monitoring the newborn's vitals and oxygen saturations.

ECMO in PPHN treatment

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, considered when other supportive measures fail to maintain acceptable oxygenation.

Importance of thermal environment

Maintaining a neutral thermal environment is crucial to prevent hypothermia in newborns with PPHN.

Complications of stimuli on PPHN infants

Severe hypoxemia can be precipitated by procedures such as suctioning or changing diapers due to pulmonary vasculature instability.