Platelet-derived growth factor inhibition--a new treatment of pulmonary hypertension in congenital diaphragmatic hernia?

Increased pulmonary vascular resistance causing pulmonary artery hypertension is a major problem in the treatment of congenital diaphragmatic hernia with a strong association to mortality. We here report a patient with intractable pulmonary hypertension at 4 weeks of age unresponsive to conventional treatment. After administration of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor antagonist imatinib, pulmonary artery pressure gradually decreased to acceptable levels and the patient's clinical condition gradually improved.