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Practices surrounding pulmonary hypertension and bronchopulmonary dysplasia amongst neonatologists caring for premature infants

Journal of Perinatology volume 38, pages 361–367 (2018)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Screening strategies, a thorough investigation of co-morbidities, and multidisciplinary involvement prior to anti-PH medications have been advocated by recent guidelines. We sought to evaluate current practices of neonatologists caring for premature infants with PH.

Design

Electronic survey of American Academy of Pediatrics neonatology members.

Results

Among 306 neonatologist respondents, 38% had an institutional screening protocol for patients with BPD; 83% screened at 36 weeks for premature neonates on oxygen/mechanical ventilation. In those practicing more than 5 years, 54% noted increasing numbers of premature infants diagnosed with PH. Evaluation for PH in BPD patients included evaluations for micro-aspiration (41%), airways anomalies (29%), and catheterization (10%). Some degree of acquired pulmonary vein stenosis was encountered in 47%. A majority (90%) utilized anti-PH medications during the neonatal hospitalization.

Conclusions

Screening for PH in BPD, and subsequent evaluation and management is highly variable.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neonatology, Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada

    Gabriel Altit

  2. Pediatric Cardiology and Neonatal and Developmental Medicine at Stanford University, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Palo Alto, CA, USA

    Gabriel Altit

  3. Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Stanford University, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Palo Alto, CA, USA

    Henry C. Lee & Shazia Bhombal

  4. Obstetrics and Gynecology, Neonatologist, Professor in Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Stanford University, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Palo Alto, CA, USA

    Susan Hintz

  5. Echocardiography Laboratory, Stanford University, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Palo Alto, CA, USA

    Theresa A. Tacy

  6. Bioengineering, Pediatric Cardiologist, Stanford University, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Palo Alto, CA, USA

    Jeffrey A. Feinstein

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  1. Gabriel Altit
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GA is the author that wrote the first draft.

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Correspondence to Gabriel Altit.

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Altit, G., Lee, H.C., Hintz, S. et al. Practices surrounding pulmonary hypertension and bronchopulmonary dysplasia amongst neonatologists caring for premature infants. J Perinatol 38, 361–367 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-017-0025-3

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