Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

The following signs and symptoms may indicate that a baby has persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)

• Rapid breathing, also called tachypnea
• Rapid heart rate
• Respiratory distress, including signs such as flaring nostrils and grunting
• Cyanosis, a condition in which the baby's skin has a bluish tint, even while they are receiving extra oxygen to breathe
• Heart murmur, where a baby has an extra or abnormal heart sound
• Low oxygen levels -- a baby with PPHN may continue to have low oxygen levels in their blood, even while receiving 100 percent oxygen

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007