Prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in preterm infants with Respiratory Distress | ||
Al-Azhar Journal of Pediatrics | ||
Volume 28, Issue 4, October 2025 PDF (815.76 K) | ||
Document Type: Original Article | ||
DOI: 10.21608/azjp.2025.456780 | ||
Abstract | ||
Background: Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is increased pulmonary artery pressure which cause Precapillary PH, leading to high vascular resistance, right heart overload, and failure. Aim: To assess the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in preterm infants with respiratory distress in NICU using Echo- cardiography. Patients and methods: This was a prospective Study Conducted at Al-Azhar Assiut University, Pediatrics Department, NICU Unit, on 52 neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome( RDS) from June 1st , 2022, to December 31th , 2022. Results: Our results showed that 36 cases (69.23%) had a small patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), while 9 cases (17.3%) had pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary stenosis. Normal cases accounted in 16 (30.77%). All patients received oxygen with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), with 75% requiring mechanical ventilation and endotracheal intubation. Additionally, 78.85% of the cases were treated with antibiotics (ampicillin and ceftazidime), while 21.15% received amikacin and meropenem. Dopamine and dobutamine were administered to 75% of the cases, and all patients received inhaled steroids. Sildenafil was given to 78.85%, and 88.46% received IV diuretics. Other treatments included correction of hypoglycemia and sodium bicarbonate infusion, which may contribute to improving respiratory and other conditions in these neonates. Conclusion: PH was prevalent (17.3%) in preterm infants born at <35 weeks and presented with respiratory distress syndrome. So, Preterm birth, along with other factors, significantly contributes to the development of PH. | ||
Keywords | ||
PH; PAH; PDA; CPAP | ||
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