Pulmonary hypertension in chronic neonatal lung disease: Mechanisms and targets

Abstract

Chronic neonatal lung disease is a common complication of preterm birth for which no effective preventive or rescue therapies currently exist. This condition has been and remains associated with serious pulmonary and neurological sequelae that have major lifelong health implications. Pulmonary hypertension is a common and important associated phenomenon, contributing to high mortality. Considerable gaps in knowledge exist, particularly with respect to pathogenesis, natural history, mechanisms contributing to right ventricular failure and the role, if any, of pulmonary vasodilators. Addressing these gaps will require careful prospective study of at-risk infants and improved understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms employing relevant animal models.