Causes of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in the Newborn
PPHN can happen because of problems with the blood vessels in the lungs. They can be underdeveloped or abnormally developed. Or the vessels can have difficulty adjusting to the outside air after birth. It can be very hard to tell right away which of these is the cause.
Who is at risk for PPHN in the newborn?
A baby who has a difficult birth or birth asphyxia may be more likely to get PPHN. Birth asphyxia is a condition caused by too little oxygen.
About one in every 1,250 babies gets PPHN. It happens most often in full-term babies or babies born after their due dates.
PPHN is more likely in babies whose mothers took certain medicines late in pregnancy. These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines and selective serotonin receptor inhibitors.
Babies with infections such as pneumonia, or problems with the heart, lungs, or both are also more likely to have PPHN.