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Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension

Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension
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Heart and lung issues in children, like pulmonary hypertension, can cause a range of symptoms, which may look like many other conditions. As a result, pulmonary hypertension can be a challenge to diagnose. A highly skilled, multidisciplinary medical team can help you get a diagnosis and a treatment plan.

What is Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension happens when children have high blood pressure in the lung arteries. Children often develop this condition through congenital heart defects or genetic reasons. Some types do not have a known cause.

Types of Pulmonary Hypertension

There are different types of pulmonary hypertension, which can begin in childhood or adulthood.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

When children have pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the arteries in their lungs become narrowed, thickened or stiff. The right side of the heart must work harder to push blood through these compromised arteries. Over time, the heart may lose its ability to pump enough blood through the lungs to meet the body’s needs.

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension

When the cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension is unknown, this is called idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). IPAH is relatively rare, but life threatening if left untreated.

Heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension (HPAH)

Heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension (HPAH) can be passed on from parent to child. Research suggests that genetic factors play a role in IPAH about 35% of the time. Genetic counseling can help parents assess their risk for passing on certain health conditions, like pulmonary hypertension.

Idiopathic PAH (IPAH) is PAH that occurs without a clear cause. IPAH is relatively rare.

Pulmonary Hypertension Symptoms in Children

With any kind of pulmonary hypertension, you may notice several symptoms in children, such as:

  • Shortness of breath or hyperventilating
  • Fatigue
  • Fainting spells
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Coughing up blood
  • Poor appetite
  • Poor growth
  • Rapid heart rate

Naturally, these signs and symptoms could indicate a wide range of conditions, so it’s important to speak with your pediatrician about any and all concerns.

If a heart or lung condition is suspected, experts in the Riley Children's Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Program can evaluate your child’s condition. Our program is a PHA-accredited Pulmonary Hypertension Center of Comprehensive Care, so you can expect the highest standard of care.

Diagnosing Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension

The multidisciplinary pulmonary hypertension team at Riley Children's diagnoses pediatric pulmonary hypertension using a variety of screenings. These may include:

  • Blood tests: These may be used to rule out certain diseases or to screen for a condition that may cause pulmonary hypertension secondarily.
  • Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram captures a moving image of the child’s heart as it works. The doctor can use this to locate defects such as narrow or leaking valves, holes in the heart walls, fluid around the heart, or other issues.
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG): In this simple, painless test, a technician attaches electrodes to the child’s skin. A machine reads the heart’s electrical activity and can detect problems with the heartbeat.
  • Cardiac catheterization: A small, flexible tube is threaded through a vein in the arm, upper thigh, or neck. Special dye is injected to allow the doctor to see how the blood flows through the heart and blood vessels. This test can also measure pressure inside the heart to determine if an opening is causing blood to seep from one side of the heart to the other.
  • Sleep studies: During a sleep study, clinicians will monitor your child’s breathing, brain activity and vital signs. The results may help determine whether a heart or lung condition is interfering with their sleep.
  • Chest x-ray: X-rays can show whether the heart is enlarged or the lungs have extra fluid in them.
  • Pulmonary function testing: This may include a single test or a series of tests, such as spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion testing, respiratory muscle strength, or treadmill testing.
  • Six-minute walk: In children old enough to walk, this simple test can tell doctors how well oxygen is moving through their blood. The child will walk at a normal pace for six minutes wearing a pulse oximeter.
  • Ventilation/perfusion scan (V/Q): This diagnostic tool tests for blood clots in the lungs by looking at how air and blood flow to the lungs. The doctor will review the resulting images to evaluate the health of the lungs.
  • Ultrasound: Your child's doctor may perform a chest ultrasound to see the heart, lungs and the area surrounding them (pleural cavity).
  • Genetic testing: A cardiovascular genetic counselor will obtain a detailed family history. They will collect genetic testing, provide education about the diagnosis, and make suggestions for future medical care of your child. They may also discuss health risks and recommendations for other family members.

Outlook for Children with Pulmonary Hypertension

Thanks to recent advances in cardiopulmonary medicine, children with pulmonary hypertension can often enjoy a good quality of life. Some children with severe cases may be candidates for a lung transplant or other surgical procedure.

Treatments

Treatments

Although there is currently no cure for pulmonary hypertension, there are treatment options. You and your physician will discuss treatment options that are right for your child: oral, inhaled, subcutaneous (under the skin), and intravenous (into a vein).

  • Oxygen therapy: Lower oxygen saturations may worsen this condition. Your physician may prescribe oxygen use via a tube called a nasal cannula.
  • Drug therapies: Various different types of medication are available, depending on the child’s individual needs. These can be used to open or relax the blood vessels in the lungs so that blood can flow more freely.
  • Inhaled treprostinil: This medication helps open the blood vessels to ease the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. This medication is delivered through a special nebulizer four times a day.
  • Subcutaneous or intravenous treprostinil: Treprostinil can also be administered as a continuous infusion drug. It can be delivered through a portable pump, either under the skin or into a vein.

The specialists at Riley Children’s Health have extensive experience with all forms of medical treatment and are participating in clinical trials to test new treatments for children.

Throughout treatment, the child will need to see specialists regularly to monitor progress using such tools as echocardiograms and pulmonary function testing. Children with pulmonary hypertension typically need to limit exertion and adhere closely to treatment regimens.

Survival rates for pediatric pulmonary hypertension have increased significantly in recent years. Complications can arise, however, so it is important to monitor your child’s health carefully and stay in close contact with their care team.

Key Points to Remember

Key Points to Remember

  • A thorough medical evaluation will be performed to diagnose pediatric pulmonary hypertension.
  • There is no cure for pulmonary hypertension, but treatment options are available to help manage the symptoms of this disease.
  • Your pulmonary hypertension team will work closely with you, your child and your family throughout the diagnosis and treatment process.

Support Services & Resources

Support Services & Resources

Visit the links below to learn more about Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

We offer a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

Pulmonary Hypertension Association

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association provides information related to diagnosis and treatment, as well as patient resources and support.


Locations

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

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Departments Treating This Condition

Departments Treating This Condition

  • Pulmonary Hypertension Program
  • Pulmonology & Respiratory Care

Related Stories

Related Stories

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Pulmonary Hypertension Program earns select national accreditation

11/07/23 Patient Care

The Riley Children's Health Pulmonary Hypertension Program earns a PHA-Accreditation. It is one of only a select handful in the nation to receive the honor.

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