Cerebral blood flow during treatment for pulmonary hypertension

Aim-To determine if the haemodynamics of systemic and cerebral circulation are changed during treatment for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the n ewborn (PPHN). Methods-Fifteen term newborn piglets with hypoxia induced pulmonary hyperte nsion were randomly assigned either tolazoline infusion (Tz), hyperventilat ion alkalosis (HAT), and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO). Mean pulmonary arteria l pressure (PAP), mean systemic arterial pressure (SAP), and cerebral blood flow volume (CBF) were measured. Results-During hypoxic breathing, PAP increased significantly in all groups . After treatment PAP decreased significantly in all groups, but no signifi cant difference was observed between groups. SAP decreased significantly on ly in the Tz group, and CBF reduced significantly only in the HAT group. On the other hand, iNO did not change SAP or CBF. Conclusion-Inhaled NO might be ideal for the resolution of pulmonary hypert ension.