Therapeutic strategies in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn is common, affecting betwe en 2% and 9% of infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units [1]. Rega rdless of which therapeutic strategy is used, affected infants require care ful, continuous monitoring and minimal handling. Inhaled vasodilators can i mprove oxygenation without adversely affecting blood pressure. Further rese arch is required to determine which inhaled pulmonary vasodilator is the mo st efficacious with the fewest side effects. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Irel and Ltd. All rights reserved.