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If your child suffers from cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, PPHN or any other birth related injury, please fill out this form or call us at 1-800-682-9443 for a free case evaluation.
PPHN Symptoms and Diagnosis
Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) occurs in approximately one or two in 1,000 newborns, typically following term or near-term deliveries. The symptoms of PPHN–acute, severe, and often life-threatening–usually appear within 12 hours after birth.
The first sign that an infant has PPHN may come in the form of visible symptoms, including:
- rapid breathing (tachypnea)
- rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- irregular heartbeat
- respiratory distress, which may be indicated by flaring nostrils and grunting
- bluish tint to the skin (cyanosis), which may be present even if the baby is receiving extra oxygen to assist breathing
- lethargy
- sweating
Upon physical examination, the doctor may note additional symptoms, such as:
- heart murmur–an extra or unusual sound heard when listening to the heartbeat
- low oxygen levels in the blood, even though the baby is receiving extra oxygen
- low blood pressure (hypotension)
- weak pulse
- swelling in the hands or feet
- an enlarged liver
In order to diagnose PPHN with certainty, however, the doctor must conduct a more in-depth examination to rule out other possible reasons for the symptoms.
Testing for PPHN: What to Expect
If your child has symptoms of PPHN, the doctor first will talk to you to learn about the baby's medical history. You'll be asked about medications taken during pregnancy as well as any difficulties in labor and delivery.
If the doctor suspects your child has PPHN, any or all of the following tests may be conducted to assess and monitor the child's physical condition and to assist the doctor in making a diagnosis.
- chest x-ray to diagnose lung disease or an enlarged heart
- ultrasound of the head to check for bleeding in the brain
- electrocardiogram (EKG)
- heart catheterization
- arterial blood gases (ABG)
- complete blood count (CBC)
- serum electrolyte tests
- pulse oximetry to monitor the level of oxygen in the blood
- ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram) to check the baby's blood flow
Keep in mind that while it may be difficult to watch your baby undergo this extensive testing, the results will provide your doctor with the information necessary to prescribe appropriate treatment and give your child the best chance for survival.