Severe Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Healthy Young Infants: Single Center Experience

Shrikiran Aroor, Koushik Handattu, Suneel C. Mundkur, Aditya Verma, Praveen C. Samuel, Akkatai S. Teli, Gujan Banga
Kasturba Medical College.
India

Indian Pediatrics
Indian Pediatr 2023;

Abstract
Objectives: We studied the clinical presentation and management of acute pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in healthy young infants, and the effect thiamine therapy.
Methods: Review of hospital records was conducted for 56 healthy infants (aged below 6 month) who developed sudden onset of pulmonary arterial hypertension as diagnosed on 2D echocardiography, and were admitted at our institution.
Results: All patients received supportive care and pulmonary vasodilator therapy, whereas those admitted after September, 2019 (n=28) received thiamine in addition, as per the institute’s protocol. Overall, complete recovery was seen in 80% (n=45). Infants who died had significantly lower mean pH (7.05 vs 7.27; P=0.001) and serum bicarbonate (9.1 vs 14.9; P=0.007), higher arterial lactate (72.7 vs 61.5; P=0.92), ventricular dysfunction (16 vs 10; P=0.01) and shock (7 vs 9; P=0.008) when compared to those who survived. Baseline characteristics, severity of acidosis and pulmonary hypertension, time taken to recover from PAH, presence of ventricular dysfunction were comparable among those who received thiamine and those who did not receive it. Similarly, recovery (89% vs 71%; P=0.17) and mortality (11 % vs 29%) were also comparable between the two groups.
Conclusion: A significant proportion of infants with PAH improve with supportive treatment and pulmonary vasodilator therapy. Thiamine supplementation may not give any additional benefit in these patients.

Category
Medical Therapy. Efficacy or Lack of Efficacy
Medical Therapy. Adverse Effects or Lack of Adverse Effects

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

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