Pulmonary Hypertension Program

Pulmonary hypertension is a condition in which the pressure inside the blood vessels of the lung is abnormally high. Many different conditions place a child at risk for pulmonary hypertension, including:

• Airway abnormalities
• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
• Chronic lung disease
• Congenital diaphragmatic hernia 
• Congenital heart disease
• Down syndrome
• Familial or idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
• Interstitial lung disease
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn
• Prematurity
• Pulmonary hypoplasia
• Sickle cell disease

The specialists at Cohen Children’s care for newborns, infants and children with (or at risk for) pulmonary hypertension. We are dedicated to the early diagnosis of this condition and to improving the outcomes of our patients using a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and management.

Pediatric cardiologists work closely with pediatric pulmonologists in both the inpatient and outpatient aspects of patient care. In collaboration with our neonatology department, we have developed a comprehensive Pulmonary Hypertension Echocardiogram Screening Program for premature babies.

These specialists also work alongside our pediatric critical care department in the management of children with severe pulmonary hypertension, which can be complicated. Our specialized Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic provides comprehensive outpatient follow-up. During this clinic visit, your child will have a thorough cardiovascular and nutritional assessment by a dedicated pulmonary hypertension nurse, an electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram and a visit with the cardiologist. Our goal is to provide families with the knowledge and tools to best care for their child.