Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a serious breathing condition affecting newborns. It occurs when a baby’s circulatory system fails to adapt properly after birth, affecting the lungs’ ability to function effectively. This can lead to a life-threatening situation where the baby struggles to get enough oxygen.

Before birth, a baby receives oxygen and nutrients through the umbilical cord from the mother. The baby’s lungs are not yet functional for breathing, so blood bypasses the lungs and flows directly to the body through a fetal blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus. After birth, when the baby takes its first breath, a shift occurs in the circulatory system. The lungs expand, and the ductus arteriosus naturally constricts and closes. Blood flow reroutes to the lungs for oxygenation, and the baby transitions to breathing air.

What is PPHN?

In persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, this transition fails to happen normally. The baby’s pulmonary arteries, the vessels carrying blood to the lungs, remain constricted, leading to high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). Consequently, blood continues to bypass the lungs through the ductus arteriosus, depriving the body of oxygen-rich blood.

The Cleveland Clinic notes that “PPHN occurs in 2 out of every 1,000 live births. It happens most often in full-term babies (born between 37 and 42 weeks) and late-term babies (born after 42 weeks). It occasionally occurs in premature babies, as well.”

Signs and symptoms of PPHN

Early signs of PPHN can be subtle, but it’s important to get prompt medical attention. Here are some potential indicators:

• Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
• Difficulty breathing (respiratory distress)
• Bluish skin color (cyanosis)
• Low oxygen levels (hypoxemia)
• Grunting sounds while breathing
• Lethargy or irritability
• Chest retractions (pulling in of muscles between the ribs)

Causes of PPHN

PPHN can be caused by various factors, some unrelated to birth. However, certain birth complications can increase the risk:

• Meconium aspiration syndrome: When a baby inhales meconium (fetal stool) during labor, it can irritate the lungs and hinder their ability to function properly.
• Fetal distress: If the baby experiences oxygen deprivation during delivery, it can lead to persistent high blood pressure in the lungs.
• Prematurity: Underdeveloped lungs in premature babies may be more susceptible to PPHN.
• Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A birth defect where the diaphragm, the muscle separating the chest from the abdomen, is malformed, compromising lung development.

Is PPHN a type of birth injury?

While PPHN can occur in some cases without a clear cause, a birth injury may also be a contributing factor. Here’s how medical negligence during pregnancy or delivery could potentially increase the risk of PPHN:

• Delayed C-section: If a baby is in distress during delivery and a C-section is not performed promptly, oxygen deprivation can occur, leading to pulmonary hypertension.
• Forceps or vacuum delivery: Improper use of forceps or vacuum during delivery can damage the lungs or blood vessels, affecting lung function.
• Untreated infections: Maternal infections like chorioamnionitis (inflammation of the fetal membranes) can potentially contribute to PPHN in the baby.

Diagnosing PPHN in Little Rock

Diagnosing PPHN typically involves a combination of:

• Physical examination to assess breathing and oxygen levels
• Chest X-ray to evaluate lung function
• Echocardiogram to examine the heart and blood flow

Treatment for PPHN

PPHN is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Treatment options may include:

• Oxygen therapy: Providing additional oxygen to support the baby’s breathing.
• Inhaled nitric oxide: A gas that helps relax the pulmonary arteries, improving blood flow to the lungs.
• Medications: Diuretics to remove excess fluid and medications to support blood pressure.
• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO): In severe cases, a machine may be used to oxygenate the blood outside the body while giving the lungs time to heal.

What are the long-term effects of PPHN?

Most babies diagnosed with PPHN recover fully with prompt treatment. However, in some cases, PPHN can lead to long-term complications such as:

• Chronic lung disease
• Pulmonary hypertension later in life
• Developmental delays

What are my legal options if my baby has been diagnosed with PPHN?

If you suspect your child’s PPHN may be linked to medical negligence during pregnancy or delivery, you have legal rights. Here’s what you should consider:

• Medical review: Consulting with a medical professional specializing in birth injuries can help determine if there was a deviation from the standard of care during your pregnancy or delivery. This opinion is important for building a legal case. Our Little Rock birth injury lawyers have many resources and expert witnesses available for your case.
• Birth injury attorney: The experienced Little Rock birth injury attorneys at Bailey & Greer PLLC can evaluate your situation, investigate medical records, and advise you on your legal options. We can help you understand if your child’s PPHN could be due to medical negligence and pursue compensation for the damages incurred.

What is the value of my child’s PPHN case?

If a lawsuit demonstrates that medical negligence caused your child’s PPHN, you may be able to recover compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses: Current and future medical bills associated with treating the PPHN and any long-term complications.
• Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress endured by your child due to the condition.
• Loss of earning capacity: If your child’s PPHN impacts their future ability to work and earn a living.
• Special needs care: Costs associated with ongoing care or therapy required due to PPHN-related disabilities.
• Loss of consortium: The effect on your relationship with your child due to the challenges of caring for a child with a birth injury.

Finding the right birth Injury attorney in Little Rock

Choosing the right birth injury attorney is critical when pursuing a legal case. Look for an attorney with the following qualifications:

• Experience: Select a Little Rock birth injury attorney with a proven track record of success in handling PPHN and other birth injury cases. You can see our settlements and verdicts here.
• Medical knowledge: The attorney should possess a strong understanding of medical complexities related to PPHN and birth injuries.
• Compassion: Find an attorney who is sensitive to your situation and understands the emotional toll of dealing with your child’s birth injury.
• Communication: Effective communication is key. Choose an attorney who clearly explains legal options and keeps you informed throughout the process.
• Resources: A well-resourced attorney can access expert witnesses and investigators to strengthen your case.

Don’t wait to seek help. If your child has been diagnosed with PPHN and you have concerns about the circumstances surrounding their birth, contact the skilled Little Rock birth injury attorneys at Bailey & Greer, PLLC. Our dedicated legal team can assess your case, investigate potential medical negligence, and fight for the compensation your child deserves to secure their future medical care and well-being. Call our office or complete our contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation case review today. We have offices in Memphis, Little Rock, and Jackson for your convenience.