Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn: case study and pathophysiology review.

Pulmonary hypertension, though quite normal in the fetus while the burden of oxygenation is on the maternal placenta, can be rapidly fatal if severe resistance to pulmonary blood flow continues as the infant attempts to make the transition to extrauterine life. This article reviews the pathophysiology of and current management priorities for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.