Hannes Sallmon, Martin Koestenberger, Alexander Avian, Friedrich Reiterer, Bernhard Schwaberger, Katharina Meinel, Gerhard Cvirn, Stefan Kurath-Koller, Andreas Gamillscheg, Georg Hansmann
European Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease Network. Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin. Medical University Graz. Hannover Medical School.
Germany and Austria
Journal of Perinatology
J Perinatol 2022; 42: 781-787
DOI: 10.1038/s41372-022-01374-w
Abstract
Objective: Extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGANs) represent an especially vulnerable population. Herein, we aimed to determine incidence and severity of pulmonary hypertension associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD-PH) in extremely immature ELGANs (gestational age: 230/6-256/7 weeks).
Methods: In this prospective observational cohort study, we assessed BPD-PH by means of several echocardiography markers and serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels at 3 and 12 months of chronological age. In addition, we analyzed incidence and efficacy of pharmacologic treatment for BPD-PH.
Results: At 3 months 15/34 ELGANs had echocardiographic evidence of BPD-PH, while at 12 months of age 6/34 still had PH. PH-targeted therapy consisted of sildenafil monotherapy in 11 and dual oral combination therapy (sildenafil and macitentan) in four ELGANs at 3 and 12 months.
Conclusion: 44% (15/34) of ELGANs developed BPD-PH. All received PH-targeted pharmacotherapy at 3 months, leading to hemodynamic improvements at 12 months in most infants.
Category
Class III. Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Lung Disease
Age Focus: Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Fresh or Filed Publication: Filed (PHiled). Greater than 1-2 years since publication
Article Access
Free PDF File or Full Text Article Available Through PubMed or DOI: Yes