Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Pediatrics

Background: Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a cardiopulmonary disorder characterized by elevated pulmonary vascular resistance with resultant shunting of pulmonary blood to the systemic circulation. Diagnosis of PPHN is usually made by echocardiography. The development of PH is complex, likely arising from an inter play of genetic and pre-/post-natal environmental factors. These may include alterations in angiogenic pathway, possible genetic modifiers, intrauterine growth, oligohydramnios, patent ductus arteriosus and placental vascularity. Aim of work: The main aim is to determine frequency, possible perinatal predisposing factors and complications of early PH in preterm infants. Patients and methods: A final number of 194 preterm neonates{u2264} 34 weeks gestation fulfilling inclusion criteria, in the period from Mai 2018 till the end of September 2018 admitted to the (NICU) of Cairo University Kasr Ainy Hospital. They were categorized according to the presence of early PH into two groups and compared to each other regarding perinatal factors (preeclampsia, PROM, oligohydramnios, Apgar score at 1 and 5{u2009}min, RDS and sepsis), oxygen support (type and time), echocardiographic parameters (PDA, PFO and left to right shunt), associations (systemic hypotension, IVH, BPD) and outcome (death, discharge, duration of hospital stay)

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